Faith That Holds When Life Turns Upside Down.

We trust that yesterday, you were able to enjoy the day and celebrate a mom in your life—whether your mother, your wife, your daughter, or another mom. We all had a mom bring us into this world and sacrifice for us to be here today. We celebrate moms here on earth and those in heaven.

This past week, we started a devotion from Job in the Bible. Job was a righteous man who was very blessed. Satan challenges God that Job is only righteous due to the blessings that God has given him. God allows Satan to inflict tremendous suffering on Job. Losing his possessions, children, and his health. God was confident in Job, and Satan was ready to inflict pain.

“Skin for skin! Satan replied. A man will give all he has for his own life. But now stretch out your hand and strike his flesh and bone, and he will surely curse you to your face”. Job 2:4-5

We often say that we want to make God smile each day. We hope that God has the same confidence in us. What if he allows suffering in our lives? Are we confident in our response?

What was interesting was how Job’s friends responded. They came to visit him to offer advice and comfort. However, many of their words attempted to explain Job’s suffering as a punishment for sin. Were they coming to help or justify and judge Job?

As an example, Job’s friend Eliphaz offers: “As I have observed, those who plow evil and those who sow trouble reap it” Job 4:8

His other two friends, Bildad and Zophar, offer similar advice, indicating that God does not reject the blameless and that if Job cleans up his life, he will see brighter days. This seems contradictory, as God himself indicated that Job was a righteous man.

This got us thinking about the type of friend we are to others. When we have friends who are going through “stuff,” do we attempt to explain it? Or do we try to advise how they “fix” it? Let’s take a minute this morning to reflect on those who impact our lives the most. What is it that makes someone a really good friend?

Interestingly, a young man named Elihu speaks up later in the book. He has a different view, acknowledging God’s righteousness, power, and ultimate wisdom. But unlike the three friends, he doesn’t correlate Job’s direct actions to God’s desire for punishment. God is Sovereign, and his choice to allow suffering or bless is beyond our understanding.

“So listen to me, you men of understanding. Far be it from God to do evil, from the almighty to do wrong.” Job 34:10

Maybe you are struggling right now, and it feels like you aren’t getting a break. Or you know someone in a difficult spot. Or perhaps you are feeling pretty blessed by God right now. Wherever you are this week, we pray that God will meet you right where you need him. If we can pray specifically for you, please let us know. If we know someone who is struggling, consider how we can best be a friend in support.

Have a great week, gents.