God's Grace

This fall, as part of Community Bible Study (CBS), I'm studying the book of Job. Now, I've read this book several times, but being a part of a community with lecture, homework, and discussion has broadened and increased my understanding of this important book. The overarching themes are "God is just," and "God is sovereign", both of which are initially difficult to comprehend considering the intense suffering Job experiences. (Keep in mind, though, that Satan -- not God-- inflicts these sufferings; however, God allows this to happen.) After all, how could a just God allow suffering? (This is a question common to many still today. Though that's not the focus of this post, do remember that we live in a sinful world; sometimes pain/ trials are necessary so that we may grow; God is bigger than our experiences.)

Both themes are so appropriate personally now. Without going into too much detail, let's just say that currently my life is being challenged on a Job-like scale: my health, my family, and my home. Thankfully, I haven't been discouraged in the midst of these trials. Instead, I've been frustrated. Frustrated that it's one more doctor's appointment. Frustrated that it's one more house project. I'm just tired of dealing with "one more thing".

When I mentioned the uncanny parallels between my life and Job's to a friend, I alluded to God's sense of humor and timing, but she said it better: it's more like God's grace that I'm studying Job at this very time. What a spot-on assessment, for if I weren't studying this book at this time, then my attitude might have been a bit different. I'm sure I still would have been frustrated, but I might also have adopted an Eeyore-like, "woe is me" attitude of self-pity. Thus, instead of focusing on God and what I can learn from this/ how I can grow, I'd wallow in the uncertainty of some of these problems.

This isn't to say that being frustrated is acceptable. Rather, I should be re-directing my thoughts toward God's provision, sovereignty, and grace. He's allowed these trials for a reason. I might not know what that reason is, nor may I fully understand the purpose, but through these, I can cling to Him and the Truth that I know about Him. That might be what He wants to remind me of.

Nonetheless, I can "rejoice in [my] sufferings, because [I] know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us" (Romans 5:3-5).