At times, we ask ourselves why bad things happen to good people. At times, when we have a stroke of bad luck that we think we do not deserve, we also ask why it should happen to us.
Two questions:
Are people (you) good?
If not them (you), then who?
Of course, bad people. People who kill, and rape, and swindle. People who do bad things to good people.
I also ask this question. And I have come to realize that sometimes, God only allows bad things to happen to shame the devil.
In Job 1:12 (KJV), God told Satan:
“Behold, all that He has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.”
God had earlier boasted of Job to the adversary in verse 8 (ibid);
“Have you seen my servant Job…?”
This begs me to ask, does God point us to the devil to try?
God is boasting of you to your adversary right this minute. He is saying,
“Look at that child of mine, even if you take away everything she has, everything she holds dear, she will never turn her back on me.”
And so He says,
“Go, Satan. All that she has is in your hands; only do not lay a hand on her soul.”
Why? Because you, are what’s precious to God. Not your wealth of possessions. Not your credibility or accomplishments. Just you. He has already prepared a place that befits you, His heir, and because of this fact He says,
“Oh he knows! He knows that in Me, he has all he needs. He knows it’s only him that matters to me.”
Can you trust God in all your calamity, as in Job 1:21 (KJV), to say:
“Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.”?
He already says He wouldn’t give you more trials than you can handle. Why don’t you just trust Him?
Diligent people are the ones who always get called upon to do a job no one else wants to do, because they are the hardworking and trustworthy. They are the ones we put faith in to do a job till the finish. And believe it, they are the first ones to be considered for merit.
Are you boast-worthy? Can God boast of you? Are you permissionable? Do you even realize that the devil could do nothing to Job until God gave permission?
God knows. Everything that you are going through received approval from Him. He gave it permission to be, because He has faith in you. He knows that you know, that He will not leave nor forsake you.
“Bring it on Lord. Lay it all on me. If you could take my cross, I will carry this altar. Gladly. For this cause. Not to fight for you, but to live for you. Or who else would I rather be? What else would I rather be called, but God’s own?”