In the midst of your suffering; in the deepest, darkest pain; when the wounds are fresh, the words come: “Why are you clinging to your faith? Can’t you see it’s pointless?” They come from those who know you, people you have known for years; people who know about your faith in God. In the good years, they saw God as good to you, but now they wonder. “What kind of God would do this to you? What kind of God would let you suffer like this?”
Have you been there? You’re suffering, in immense pain. All you want is someone to be with you, to console you. Yet all you get are confused looks. They have words for you: “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die (Job 2:9, NASB)!” Your friends come to console you, but end up grieving in silence with you for days as if you are as good as dead (Job 2:12-13) All hope seems lost.
You hold on tight to God, not understanding the why. Your faith is tested. Is there a purpose in all this suffering you’re experiencing at this moment? It’s been said, “Work hard and you’ll be rewarded.” My good deeds should give me a good life. If you do bad stuff there will be consequences. It seems to make sense until now. Why does bad stuff happen to good people? In fact, it’s beginning to look like evil people only prosper.
Yet, isn’t this what faith is about? Trust God in all things even if it doesn’t make sense. Believe he is in all things. The words of Psalm 25:2 rise from your lips: “O my God, in You I trust, Do not let me be ashamed; Do not let my enemies exult over me.” In your mind you think that this looks bad for God. Others look upon your plight and surmise not to follow God if it only brings suffering. Is your faith real? Can you really trust in Him, even in your deep pain? “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity (Job 2:10)?”
© 2021 CGThelen
140 Character Christian 
A good reminder that God is with us, no matter how difficult life can get. We are to rejoice in our trials, knowing the testing of our faith produces perseverance. Thanks for sharing!
May the Spirit of God strengthen us in the midst of our trials. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Blessings.
As much as I don’t like a crisis of faith there is an up side to it. If we are never tested faith will never grow. Lovely encouraging post.
So true. I don’t like the testing, but it does deepen my faith. Thanks for the comment. Blessings.
A thought-provoking post! Thank you.
“….surmise not to follow God if it only brings suffering” Indeed, many non-believers do surmise that. But, in truth, we all suffer, with or without God. I must have God when I suffer.
Well said. God is steadfast and faithful. He walks with us through the difficult times. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Blessings.
I read this recently in my devotions and it spoke to me regarding family and friends who often question faith, usually at a low point in life. In all that happens I resolve to follow the example of Job, and cling to God believing His Love will see me through.
Sometimes I have felt like I was clinging to God in the middle of a whirlwind. His love always sees me through. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Blessings.
“Trust God in all things, even if it doesn’t make sense.” Yes.
The passage from Job 2 is also an eye-opener; God is sovereign over both the good AND the bad.
Great post. Thanks, CG.
Yes, God is sovereign. We can trust Him. Blessings.