Job 5:17,24
“Behold, happy is the person whom God disciplines, So do not reject the discipline of the Almighty.”
“You will know that your tent is secure, For you will visit your home and have nothing missing.”
Eliphaz finishes his two points. Basically he is saying that God will discipline us when we sin. The second point is that God protects the righteous. Their homes won’t be robbed. If they are, then it’s because of sin.
The first point is true, while the second is partially true. God does protect us. However, sometimes unfortunate things happen even though God isn’t judging us. Job fits that category. We know that Satan is bringing this on him. God allowed it, but not because he deserved it.
This is a difficult matter. Sometimes bad things happen to God’s children when there isn’t a reason. Some blame God. He was capable of preventing it. However, He doesn’t promise that. I think of the untimely death of a loved one. An unfortunate accident. An illness or injury that brings complications to one’s life. All of these are difficult and can cause some to doubt God.
We will come upon a great comment Job makes in 13:15a, “Though He slay me, I will hope in Him”. Peter makes a great point in answering Jesus. To set it up, Jesus saw that the crowds were following Him in hope that He would feed them. So, He made a difficult comment about eating His flesh and drinking His blood. He wanted to thin the crowds. Jesus turns to His disciples and asks if they would also leave. ‘Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life,”(John 6:68). That’s it. Where can we go? No where.
Yes, difficult times will occur. God is good and will work it out. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that God causes all things to work for good to those love God and to those He has called according to His purpose”. Job knows God will work it out. He trusts Him and chooses to stay with Him.
Lord, thank You that You’ve put faith in us. It is so good to be with You. Help us to keep the faith of a child. Thank You that You do work it out for good.