Devastating News

Then Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped, saying: Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will leave this life. The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. Praise the name of Yahweh. Throughout all this Job did not sin or blame God for anything. Job 1:20-21 HCSB

Several years ago my father was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. It was operable but the doctor told us it was the type of cancer that would certainly grow back in time. Unexpectedly, the surgery left my father paralyzed on the left side of his body. He was moved to a rehabilitation center with the hopes of regaining some use of his left side. After making a little progress, his condition got worse and after a few more tests it was determined that the tumor had returned and was bigger than prior to the surgery. This was devastating news! There was no longer any hope, and in a short time my father passed away. He had been such a healthy and active man it was hard to believe that in nine short weeks he had gone from being healthy to passing away. It was a difficult time, but it was also a time to praise God for my father’s life and the influence he had had on so many people and how he had impacted the kingdom of God.

Job was presented with devastating news of the loss of his family, livestock, and servants. He did not hide his grief but expressed his anguish and sorrow by tearing his robe and shaving his head. It would have been natural for someone to curse God and ask why this was happening. Instead, Job fell to the ground and worshiped God. It would have been easy to blame God, but Job looked to God, acknowledged His sovereign authority, and trusted Him even through his deepest sorrow. He knew God loved him and wanted only the best for him.

Challenge: Be assured that God loves you and wants only the best for you. Trust God in both the good and the bad times. There is nothing wrong with expressing your emotions just as Job did when you are presented with bad news.

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