Gift of God Devotional

“Even if I were innocent, my mouth would condemn me; if I were blameless, it would pronounce me guilty. Although I am blameless, I have no concern for myself; I despise my own life. It is all the same; that is why I say, ‘He destroys both the blameless and the wicked.’” Job‬ ‭9‬:‭20‬-‭22‬ ‭NIV‬‬

This passage shows something powerful and very important… we don’t always know God’s plan, and really, we rarely ever do. Job may be blaming God here for the hardships he’s facing, but what we may see as suffering or even as punishment, God may be using for our betterment. 

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I want to compare the story of Job to the story of Joseph. Joseph was sold into slavery by his own brothers. He was taken to a foreign land, where he was made to work. He was praised for his work, but then a false accusation landed him in prison. He interpreted some dreams in prison, which ended up getting him out of prison and in charge of all of Egypt. At the end of the story of Joseph, we read these words he says to his brothers: 

“But Joseph said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.’ And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.” Genesis‬ ‭50‬:‭19‬-‭21‬ ‭NIV‬‬

What we may see as a hardship may be intended for our good. Even when we truly have done nothing wrong, hardships will still befall us. God works all things for our good. Where in your life is God shaping you through both the good times and the hard?

Job didn’t know why he was going through what he did, but he still trusted that God had a plan. Job still trusted that God was in control, even if he was accusing Him of bringing harm. Where are you struggling to see the reasons things are happening in your life? Do you ask God why he allows these things to happen?