Bible Reading: Job 1:1-3 & 13-19; Lamentations 3:19-26
Job is a perfect example of a God-honoring person who suffered catastrophe. Here's how Job 1:1 describes Job: [Job] "was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil." Job's choice to live a life that pleases God didn't make him immune to pain and suffering. Job continually honored God by living in a way that made God happy, yet God allowed Job to lose everything except his wife. Job's belongings and his livelihood were destroyed. His children were all tragically killed.
Catastrophes will happen to everyone – even Christians. The advantage we have as people who live to please and honor God is that we don't have to endure these hardships alone. God has promised to be with us, to help us, and to comfort us. He has also given us some tools to help us and strengthen us as we face difficulties. What are these tools?
Prayer. Tell God about the situation. Ask Him for strength, comfort, courage, and guidance.
Praise. Remind God that you love Hi, and that you know He loves you. Tell Him how wonderful it is that He has the power to change your situation or to help you through it.
Purpose. Focus on God. You can't fret when your primary purpose in life is worshipping, honoring, and serving God.
Provision. Accept God's best for your life. God has guaranteed to provide the best for everyone who trusts Him in good times and in bad times.
Promises. Claim God's promises, especially Romans 8:28: "all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
Patience. Remember that things will get better in God's perfect timing. In the words of the prophet Jeremiah, "it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the LORD" (Lamentations 3:26).
"I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail." Lamentations 3:19-22
Prayer: Heavenly Father, I trust in Your perfect timing, even when things are bad. In Jesus' name. Amen.