"The wicked writhe in pain throughout their lives. Years of trouble are
stored up for the ruthless. The sound of terror rings in their ears, and
even on good days they fear the attack of the destroyer.
(Job 15:20-21 NLT)
Job's friends aren't really being good friends to him. They are tearing him down, not because they know he did something wrong, but because they ASSUME he did something wrong. They don't really understand this God-given principle.
All wickedness is punished.
All struggles are not punishment.
Sometimes we bring bad days upon ourselves. We sin against God, people, and even ourselves. We do things that deserve punishment, then we get what we deserve.
Other times, though, that scenario simply doesn't ring true. We didn't do something to deserve punishment, yet we are going through a particularly difficult time.
Job was in the second category. He hadn't done anything to deserve punishment, yet he was going through a particularly difficult time. The struggles were actually being used by God in the bigger picture to show Satan up.
I guess the most important thing is that we are honest with ourselves. Did I bring this on myself? Did I do something wrong? When my friends accuse me of wrongdoing, are their charges specific? Do their charges against me match God's Word?
When I'm in the wrong, I need to change. Sometimes I need to repent, seek forgiveness, and attempt to be reconciled with God, people, and even my own conscience. Only then will I find peace in all circumstances.
When I'm not in the wrong, I simply need to remember that God is right there to help me through. My conscience is clear. His Spirit gives me peace.
How about you? Are you "getting what you deserve" or simply going through a tough time? Either way, God will help...if you ask Him.
Job's friends aren't really being good friends to him. They are tearing him down, not because they know he did something wrong, but because they ASSUME he did something wrong. They don't really understand this God-given principle.
All wickedness is punished.
All struggles are not punishment.
Sometimes we bring bad days upon ourselves. We sin against God, people, and even ourselves. We do things that deserve punishment, then we get what we deserve.
Other times, though, that scenario simply doesn't ring true. We didn't do something to deserve punishment, yet we are going through a particularly difficult time.
Job was in the second category. He hadn't done anything to deserve punishment, yet he was going through a particularly difficult time. The struggles were actually being used by God in the bigger picture to show Satan up.
I guess the most important thing is that we are honest with ourselves. Did I bring this on myself? Did I do something wrong? When my friends accuse me of wrongdoing, are their charges specific? Do their charges against me match God's Word?
When I'm in the wrong, I need to change. Sometimes I need to repent, seek forgiveness, and attempt to be reconciled with God, people, and even my own conscience. Only then will I find peace in all circumstances.
When I'm not in the wrong, I simply need to remember that God is right there to help me through. My conscience is clear. His Spirit gives me peace.
How about you? Are you "getting what you deserve" or simply going through a tough time? Either way, God will help...if you ask Him.
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