Chapter 25- Transformed by Trouble

Bad things happen to good people. It's inevitable. Everyone has their own set of 'troubles'. No one, not even Jesus got to bypass the trials and tribulations of this world. Understanding what is expected of us and learning how to deal with whatever might be put upon us is how God molds us. Of course, the ultimate goal is to build Christlike character, which in many cases is a challenge in itself.

Events that unfold in many lives are so deeply traumatizing that it is hard to even imagine how to respond let alone how Jesus would respond. I recently read the book of Job and as I thought about his situation it occurred to me that his character was much more developed than mine. I can say with a good amount of certainty that I probably would have started praying for forgiveness for whatever sin I committed that I didn't know about. I would have been second guessing myself thinking 'did my neighbors goat get mixed with mine?' 'who was I mean to?' 'what did I do wrong?'. But, Job was absolutely positive that he did nothing wrong and unwilling to even think that was a possibility. He held fast to his conviction and never gave up his faith. How exhilarated he must have been to find that he was the only man alive who put Satan to shame!

We're not expected to thank God for suffering- we're expected to be thankful for the opportunity to grow. Most of all, we need to help each other, support each other, and refuse to give up or give in- just like Job... especially when it seems hopeless. Keep your eyes on the prize.