Why Me, Lord? A change in Job’s perspective

Are you struggling with your faith because you are going through trials or tribulations?

Job is an example of someone who faced great struggles and trials. In fact, his struggles proved to be one of the greatest among others mentioned in the bible. Job lost his children, wealth, good health, livestock and crops. His friends couldn’t give him encouragement in his troubling times; they told him he must be suffering the consequences of his sins. His wife told him to curse God and die. Imagine the loneliness he felt, on top of the afflictions he is enduring? Job suffered so much that he hated his life and started to ask God why is all this happening to him? Is God finding pleasure in seeing him suffer? Does he really deserve what is happening to him? He had a lot of questions for God (Job 30 & 31). But God answered and said, “Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance words?” Job 38:2. Then God continued by expressing his power, dominion and sovereignty to Job (Job 38 & 39). After the revelation, Job answered, “… It is I – and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me.” Job 42:3. He continued, “I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes. I take back everything, and I sit… to show my repentance.” Verse 5-6. This means that his knowledge of God was no longer basic or limited to what others say God is. He now genuinely understands the greatness of God and that changed his perspective of life.

I know that if God reveals his greatness to you and allows you to perceive certain things that are hidden to men, your perspective will also change. Job asked God for forgiveness for asking such questions and God forgave and blessed him. Job 42:10 says, “… the Lord gave him twice as much as before!” Job had more children the second round and he lived long enough to see about four generations of his children and grandchildren.

Do you find yourself asking the same questions as Job, “God, why me?”. I encourage you not to relent in your faith in Christ but continue to seek him. Peter encouraged us by saying, “So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So, when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.” 1 Pet.1:6-7

Prayer: Father, reveal yourself to me so that I may continue to dwell in your awesomeness rather than in my situation. Strengthen my faith and do not allow me to lose hope.

Writer: Blessing Oyem