And he said:
“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked shall I return there.The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord.”
Job 1:21 (NKJV)
A friend once asked me why Christians always have to face difficult situations? Why do you think Jesus Christ took the cross? I answered him. He couldn't make the connection because he was too preoccupied with what was on his mind. So I suggested that he read the book of Job to get an idea of the importance of difficulties in the life of the believer. A week later, dissatisfied with what he read, he came to ask me if we really had to suffer.
My friend didn't understand two things. First, God controls the circumstances of our lives. Second, one cannot grow in faith without going through life's circumstances. The more we grow in faith, the more difficult circumstances and trials we encounter. Job had faith in God but he did not know Him. His faith was based on what he had heard from Him; therefore, after hearing God's answer, he added: "I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee."
Our suffering is not always the consequence of our mistakes or the misfortunes of life. Sometimes God lets them happen to teach us to have faith in Him and rely on His grace. Job understood this, which is why he did not harbor bitterness towards God, but rather called on Him to support him in his misery. If your faith is not growing, it may be because instead of turning to God when trials arise, you choose to blame Him and look elsewhere for help. The faith that grows is that which rests on the promises of God.
May the grace and peace of God be with you all.
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