When Bad Things Happen

Scripture:
Job 1:13-22 (NASB)

Now on the day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them, and the Sabeans attacked and took them. They also slew the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants and consumed them, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three bands and made a raid on the camels and took them and slew the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “Your sons and your daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, and behold, a great wind came from across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people and they died, and I alone have escaped to tell you.”

Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head, and he fell to the ground and worshiped. He said,

“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
And naked I shall return there.
The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away.
Blessed be the name of the Lord.”

Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God.

Devotional:

When things start happening or go wrong in our lives I turn to Nancy and say, “When it rains it pours.”  It seems that everything goes wrong all at the same time.  I know several years back it just seemed nothing would go right.  Every time I turned around something happened or didn’t work out.  Instead of turning to God giving praise all I could do was to shout in anger.  I didn’t have the kind of faith that Job had.  I still don’t although I do my best not to blame God.  My goal is to give praise.  I strive to be content and joyful in all things. 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NIV):

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:11 (NIV)

I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.

I may not succeed but my goal is to find Christ’s peace and the joy He gives in all circumstances.  God doesn’t cause bad things to happen.  But if we allow Him to work in our lives He can use those times to strengthen us.  Dealing with the loss of a loved one, or the loss of a job can allow you to help someone else going through something similar.  God doesn’t cause us to go through the fiery furnace.  But He will lead us through it.  He will never forsake us.  When bad things happen do you blame God or do you give thanks and praise.  In the past I have blamed Him.  Now I strive to give praise and have a thankful heart no matter what happens.