Sunday's sermon theme was "When Bad Things Happen to Good People."  We've all been there, or know of folks who have.  The Old Testament Lesson was from the book of Job, a classic when it comes to "bad things happening to good people."  Because Job was "right with God," he and those around him, understood why his life was good and expected it to continue. 

 

After all, don't we "get what we deserve," and doesn't God "repay us for how we live?"  But Satan enters the picture and Job's fate changes.  He loses his property, his family, and his health.  His "friends" attempt to help him discover his "hidden sins" and urge him to repent that his life might be restored.  Job clings to his innocence and pummels God with the "why questions."  Finally, God appears to remind Job that he is not God and doesn't know how it all works. 

 

Life is beyond our knowledge and understanding.  We don't have a God who can be manipulated by what we do.  God has said "Yes" to our stubborn, childish "No!"  God loves us even when we are unlovable and ornery.  God provides for us, even when we don't deserve it.  And God isn't about "pulling strings" to simplify our lives. 

 

In this newest episode of "The Amazing Race" there is a couple who commented that they were "religious people" but they had no notions that it mattered a whole lot to God whether or not they won the race. 

 

God has promised that we do not walk through trials alone; that we will never be abandoned or forsaken, that our inheritance is secure in heaven and that one day this world will be transformed into the life and world that God intended.  But, until the end comes, God loves us, whatever our earthly situation, and God will be with us through thick and thin.  We never walk alone.  May the power of His presence and promise comfort and sustain you come what may.

 

Peace,

 

Pastor Carol