Job 20:1-22:30; 2 Corinthians 1:1-11; Psalm 40:11-17; Proverbs 22:2-4
Simple, conventional wisdom does not handle the complex issues that face us. Job’s friends tried to convince him that his calamities were because of his unconfessed wickedness. This was too simple an explanation.
Job knew that tradition and pithy slogans could not provide a substantive answer to all that he faced (and that we face). If you have ever been through difficult situations and someone approached you with seemingly comforting words that did nothing to help you make it through, you know what Job felt.
Here is what Job knew (and what we should know): We cannot live our lives comparing them against someone else’s. It is so unproductive to try to answer the question, “Why do bad things happen to good people?” We have to live our lives each day seeking to please our God. If we do that, God will take care of the rest. One truth is certain: you can win with the hand you have been dealt!
Tomorrow’s Reading: Job 23:1-27:23; 2 Corinthians 1:12-2:11; Psalm 41:1-13; Proverbs 22:5-6