JOB 42:4

Job was a righteous man who served God with all his heart. He was blessed with children, wealth, and status. But in one day he lost everything. Job had questions for God.

“Why did I not die at birth, come out from the womb and expire? (Job 3:11)”

We may believe that our hurtful experience would’ve been avoided if we were never born. God answers with Ephesians 1:11 that “in him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will.” This is our life journey, all the good and all the bad—we can make it in Christ.

“What is my strength, that I should wait? And what is my end, that I should be patient? (Job 6:11)”

Even the strongest of men and women in spirit, mind, and body have been brought down to their knees when tribulation visits. God answers with Psalm 105:4 that we can “seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!” One of the first lessons to learn in every trial is that we have no strength to deal with it on our own–we need God to get through it.

“Why have you made me your mark? (Job 7:20)”

Do you ever feel like there is a bull’s eye on your forehead? God answers in 2 Corinthians 12:9 that “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” God uses our pain to prove our faith. This leads to perseverance and makes us grow up in Christ. Every time we pray, serve, meditate, love, and forgive in spite of our trial, we become stronger in our spiritual walk.