Think Outside the Box

Read

Job 19:1-21:34

Think

Job 19:28-29, “How dare you go on persecuting me, saying, ‘It’s his own fault’? You should fear judgment, for your attitude deserves punishment. Then you will know there is indeed a judgment.”Job 21:34, “How can your empty cliches comfort me? All your explanations are lies!”Why do bad things happen to good people? The answer to this quintessential question: Life isn’t fair! This is the argument Job was having with his friends. They believed God only brought down wrath on the wicked. Therefore, Job must have done something to deserve such dire circumstances. But Job, in his weakened state, stood firm and said, “Your argument doesn’t fit the facts!” And the fact is, good things also happen to bad people!God shines grace on the righteous and unrighteous alike because grace isn’t earned; it’s a gift. Thus, Job’s friends’ theology didn’t square with the truth. They, like so many of us today, put God in a box. Even when we think we have a clear understanding of God, we can’t predict His actions.It’s time to think outside the box. Trying to rationalize God’s actions is futile. Instead, get to know God’s heart so that you can trust Him even when you don’t understand His actions.

Act

Pray

God, You are a limitless God! Your ways are higher than mine, and I stand in awe of Your power. But even more importantly, I trust You. Give me the discernment to look beyond my circumstances toward greater understanding, acceptance, and intimacy with You. Amen.