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For When Life is Not Fair

3/19/2015

7 Comments

 
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The suffering of Job is a familiar one; He encountered the utter devastation of his family, wealth, and livelihood. Yet, the Bible tells us that Job was “blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil.” (Job 1:1 ESV)

There is something inside of each of us that screams, “This is not fair!” A good man should not have to suffer the way Job did. Job didn’t deserve what he received.

In fact, this was the exact conclusion Job came to. Not at first, but ultimately, as wave after wave of grief slammed him weary, he went from his famous first cry, “Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” (Job 1:21 ESV) to a very long-winded question of, “Why is this happening to me, God? I don’t deserve this.” (Job 29-31)

And, I can’t say I blame Job. I’ve not seen a fraction of the loss and pain Job experienced, and I’ve allowed the same attitude of entitlement to creep in.

We cannot make God into an equation. If I do ______, then God will give me ______. That’s just not the way God works. If He did, we all would be without any sort of hope for good things to come.

To think biblically, we need a shift of our view of what is fair. Fact is, none of us deserve the mercy and grace of God, because we’re all sinners. Even Job, the “blameless and upright.”

God graciously sent a good friend, Elihu, to speak truth to Job. “Listen to this, Job. Stop and consider God’s wonders.” (Job 37:14) Elihu probably didn’t understand the answer to every why, but he clung to the truth of God’s character; that God is a good, loving, and merciful God. A God of wonders, incapable of wrong.

So, no, Job didn’t deserve what he received. He didn’t deserve the blessings he had to begin with. He didn’t deserve the mercy of God shown through the kindness of His own rebuke to Job’s questioning. (Job 38-41) And he certainly didn’t deserve the outpouring of grace God showed Him, through restoring Job’s health, livelihood, and family.

And the biggest gift of grace? God’s presence. Through God’s purposeful allowance of suffering, Job experienced the abundance of seeing—really seeing—God as wonderful. 

Then Job answered the LORD and said: “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. ‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. ‘Hear, and I will speak; I will question you, and you make it known to me.’ I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.”  (Job 42:1-6 ESV)


What do you think about Elihu’s conclusion about God, regardless of circumstances?


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About Katie

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Grace-clinger. Truth-speaker. Pastor's wife. Mommy of 3. As a Bible study writer, retreat speaker, and local women's ministry leader, Katie is passionate about equipping others to walk intimately with God for a lifetime. Katie currently serves as the Social Media Specialist and Community Manager for Flourish.me, a ministry of the North American Mission Board to ministry wives. Learn more about Katie on her website KatieOrr.me.

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7 Comments
Mary Geisen link
3/21/2015 10:44:21 am

Whenever I read Job's story, I am thinking in the back of my mind "why wasn't he stronger in his faith" or "why doesn't he just listen to God"? Then I step back and realize that I am no stronger than Job in my faith and in fact I feel that life is unfair many times. Great question and a great post to get me thinking. Blessed you linked up at The Weekend Brew.

Reply
Katie Orr link
3/22/2015 04:47:42 am

Thanks, Mary. Yes, it is easy to look at Job and wonder why He doubted, but we have the view of seeing the big picture. And yes, we are no stronger! It is by God's grace we are anything!

Reply
Sensory Mom link
3/24/2015 06:06:42 am

I think I needed this today! Thanks for sharing!

Reply
beth willis miller link
3/25/2015 04:18:54 am

Love this post, and pondering Job...love how he said at one point... "He knows the way that I take..." helps when the way is rough...many blessings to you!

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Andrew Budek-Schmeisser link
3/25/2015 01:58:07 pm

I think about Job a lot; they say I'm dying, and after the last week or so, it sure feels like it. After yet another night during which pain made sleep impossible, and a day spent in zombie mode...yeah, I think about it.

And the truth is, I don't know. If God is allowing this to convince me of His glory, He might try rethinking His methods, because the situation's become a bit surreal.

You train a horse with a combination of kindness and firmness, breaking the independent spirit, yes...but you don't break the legs and shoot the animal a few times for good measure.

But I don't believe this is how He works, and I don't believe it's the point of the story of Job.

To make us fit citizens of heaven, God had to allow free will, and the entry of illness and evil into the world is a necessary and inevitable part of that. he hates it; but, like the pain of childbirth, it's simply needed. he can hold our hands, and He can weep with us, and He can whisper encouragement...and he does.

To Job...the story seems to me more a description of just how 'big' God is, and it's a warning to us that the extent of things we can control is limited indeed. And, yes, it is a reminder that the sun will come out after the storm.

I'm here from 3D Lessons For Life.

Reply
dianna
4/10/2015 12:18:45 pm

I'm sorry for your situation Andrew. I've been in various difficulties over the last couple of years...one thing after another. Part of me has been wondering, "How on earth can I be any kind of witness? I'm barely holding on! Doesn't God want me to trust him?" But when I am able to distance myself a bit, I remember that He is sovereign. My knowledge and perspective are limited. It's a bit of a bitter pill, but I am learning. I pray wisdom and peace for you, Andrew.

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Laura Thomas link
3/27/2015 04:59:39 am

Oh, Job, how I feel for you! I can't even imagine the depth of loss this man endured. Just a fraction of his pain would be my undoing, I fear. But you are absolutely right— God was present every step of the way— just like He is for us. His love covers our fear, impatience, whining, and groans of entitlement. What a gracious Father we have... thanks for the reminder today. Stopping by from 3D Lessons for Life. Blessings to you!

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  • Home
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