SCRIPTURE
Even if he kills me, I will hope in Him. I will still defend my ways before Him. Yes, this will result in my deliverance, for no godless person can appear before Him. (Job 13:15-16)
OBSERVATION
These verses struck me as a bold statement by Job. He had lost everything, his family (except for his wife), his home, possessions, and his health (developed a bad case of incurable boils). Here's the bold part: Even if God would take his life, he was still going to hope in Him. He could have been angry and blamed God for his situation but the Bible says, "Throughout all this Job did not sin or blame God for anything." (Job 1:22) Job maintained his innocence. He had done nothing for which God was be "punishing" him. His friends tried to convince him otherwise. "Come on Job, just admit that you sinned and God is out to get you."
Job held this tension in his life: He is innocent, God is good, and bad things have happened to him. The incredible thing is that he still hoped in God even if God were to take his life. In the end, Job understood that God is just and He could be trusted.
APPLICATION
How do I make sense of the things that happen in life? Not necessarily to myself but to people, who's difficult stories I've encountered. More and more I'm coming to appreciate the faith of Job. He didn't need to explain it all, but he did understand where the source of his hope...that it is in God.
God is not to be blamed or impugned when it comes to tragedy. If I blame God I no longer see Him as good. If He is no longer good there is no hope because He is the only one who can ultimately deliver us. If I blame God, where else can I turn? I have a choice. I can spend my life pursuing elusive answers or I can pursue a relationship with God who is the author of eternal life. I wish I always knew the "whys" but more importantly I can always know the "Who"--the God who is good no matter what happens.
PRAYER
Lord, help my first question not be "Why?" but "Who?" The Who? is You. Thank you God that you are always good and are the source of hope. Hope not just for now but for forever. Help my faith to grow to be like that of Job's where I can stand confidently when the world comes crashing down.
