Ever have a friend – maybe even a good friend – who just doesn’t understand what you’re going through? You sit down over a cup of coffee and discuss it, but they have some idea of a simple solution that just doesn’t connect with your situation. That’s where we find Job.
As you know, God has allowed Satan to hit Job hard. He’s lost his wealth, his family, his status in the community, and his health. Everyone (including Job’s friends) just assume that Job has sinned. Why else would God do this?
Well… in this case – it has nothing to do with sin. All of this pain has come into Job’s life simply to bring God glory and Bildad the Shuhite just doesn’t understand.
Sometimes…
People don’t understand the situation – even if they think they do.
Sometimes even very good friends can be insensitive. We think we know best – we think we have all the facts – we think we understand – but we don’t. Job’s friends tried to convince him he had sinned – but he hadn’t.
Things aren’t as they seem.
Often things that look so obvious to us – whether it be situations or people – are not as they seem. We look through the lens of our eye – but we don’t see everything perfectly as God does.
Bad things happen to good people.
Sometimes (as in the example of Job) evil comes upon people who did nothing to encourage it. Although it is true that sin often is the catalyst to destruction in our lives – it is not a guarantee. Sometimes bad things happen to good people to bring glory to God.
You don’t have an answer to people’s questions.
There are times, that no matter how people ask, you just don’t have an answer for them and their questions. They may not understand. Sometimes it is because you cannot answer while other times the words just won’t come.
Just believing in someone and standing beside them is enough.
You’ll never know what it means to just believe a friend and stand with them during their struggle. They often don’t want your opinion, just your support. They want to know you’re there and that you believe in them. Let your words be few…
Final thoughts if you’re in the trial.
I know you may feel very alone and scared. You must remember and trust in the things about God that you know are true – His Sovereignty – His Love – His Plans for you. When everyone else seems to fail – He won’t…
There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 18:24
Final thoughts if you’re the friend.
Pray and think before you speak. Let your actions speak more than your lips. Stand with your friend through everything – bear their burden with them.
Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2
By: Tim Parsons — Lead Pastor
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