RAINBOWS AFTER THE STORM
I love reading the Bible. Let me rephrase that, I love reading “parts” of the Bible if I am honest. I gravitate towards Psalms and Proverbs. I love reading in Isaiah and Jeremiah. I love uplifting verses that I can memorize to help me through the day. But, at the same time, there are books of the Bible that I have steered away from. I know what is in there and I don’t want to read about it.
The book of Job is one of those books. I know Job was righteous, I know the devil wanted to cause trouble, I know God let Job be tormented, and I know that in the end that Job prospered way more than before. It is all of the suffering and torment that I hate to read about. I want unicorns and rainbows. I want forgiveness and grace. I don’t like the messy stuff that happens in between.
However, this week I decided to start reading the book of Job and I am so glad that I did. I am still in the midst of Job’s suffering but I have found so much strength from reading this account. Job was a prominent man and a big deal in that area. He was wealthy and prosperous and I am sure when he spoke that he was listened to by others. I assume it was well known that he was a righteous man so when death and destruction came upon him I am sure the whispers started. What has Job done? Why is God punishing him? In the Job 7:20, you can read Job asking the same questions:
If I have sinned, what have I done to you, you who see everything we do? Why have you made me your target? Have I become a burden to you?
Job, like most of us, might have been thinking that his suffering was a punishment. As children, we know that our actions bring on consequences. Therefore we equate being guilty with being punished. I am even sure we have said the words, “they got what they deserved.” So, when someone who is a good person suffers it does not fit into our way of thinking. Suffering is not what they deserve so why is this being inflicted on them?
Job’ friends came with the intention of giving him comfort but they didn’t understand everything that was going on either. They end up telling him that he must have done something wrong, that he was just mad that the Lord was punishing him, and that he needed to quit whining. What? Can you imagine the protest that Job was feeling?
I love Job’s response to his friends. In Job 12:13 To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his. Through all of Job’s suffering, through all of his sorrow, he never lost sight that it was the Lord’s will not his. Even when he was told of the loss of ALL of his children he replied in Job 1:21 Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” And then in Job 2:10 he asked his wife, Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?”
My life might not be all unicorns and rainbows but I can live with that. Some of the most beautiful rainbows occur after a storm. If you are in the midst of a storm remember that a rainbow might be hiding behind the clouds, just waiting to shine through.
Have A Blessed Day!
People have told me that patience must be my spiritual gift. However, I must just hide my anxiety well because I often want God to hurry up and answer me! We have a state-mandated “moment of silence” every day after the pledges. In that moment, I pray for God to let me love these children as He does, and that I know His timing is perfect. (Knowing it and waiting for it are TWO DIFFERENT THINGS! lol)
As I usually do, I read your post early morning before church. And as usual it touches me. I seemed to fit so well with my pastor’s message. My pastor is a young lady who has wisdom and faith that belies her age. She is the same age as my children and I know that some parishioners take issue with her age and yes, her gender. I have learned so much from her. Her sermons are relatable and I always take something away from them….more so than I have from others. We have only had her for 3 years. Yesterday announced that she is being moved to different church in July. It affected me so much! I am so sad……selfishly for myself. I need to remember that He is in control…not us. There are reasons for this change that will be revealed to us in time.
Thank you, Tania; I always grow from your Sunday posts.
Tania I am in the midst of a huge storm right now. Thank you so much for reminding me there are rainbows to come.
I look forward to reading your message each day and see the clothing selection. Sunday messages are so inspiring. Thanks for taking time from your day to make ours better!
Hi Tania. I too have stayed away from the book of Job as I just hate the suffering. However I am now reading a devotional that focuses on Job. One of the lessons I have taken from Job is that a suffering person does not need to hear blame. Instead, he/she needs to be encouraged and comforted.
Thanks so much for this post. It gives me hope
And “ have a blessed Sunday”! Proof that I shouldn’t post anything without my reading glasses on!
Thank you for this remineder. God is good, even when we can’t see it, He is always good. Have. blessed Sunday!
Oops, “reminder”!
Thank you Tania, great message today. I’ve always said there is a Rainbow after every storm.
Tania what a positive post. Jeremiah is one of my favorite books. Hope you, your family and all your followers keep there eyes on the rainbow. God’s promises will always appear.
Thanks for sharing, Tania. I love the very old him that says, “Behind a frowning providence he hides a smiling face.” Have a blessed day in the Lord!
Uplifting post, thank you. Our priest gave a similar sermon at church last night. It really made me think about how blessed I am. Love your new look and logo! God Bless, have a great day!!
Lots of lessons to learn from Job! Thanks for the reminder. Have a lovely Sunday.
Your new logo is wonderful! Nice job!
Thank you Tania for another timely inspiration. My family is in the midst of s struggle right now and the words from Job help me to see that even now we should be thankful and trust that in the end everything will be better. I’m sure there are others with worse problems than ours and I hope they read this and know that God is in control and he does nothing to hurt us. He only gets our attention & helps us correct our situation. It’s happened to me before and I’m always glad when I’m through it. Because I’m stronger & wiser. God Bless you.
Thank you for the reminder, Tania! I, too, like unicorns and rainbows, and for everything to be almost perfect. However, we do not live in a perfect world, and so should not be so surprised when life throws up curve balls. Thankfully, we also have the uplifting verses of the Bible to get us through!!! Amen?
I love seeing the outfits you put together everyday…… but I love reading your words more!! GOD BLESS~
We have three family members diagnosed with cancer all within two months. Our hearts sunk but i pray and try to stay strong that our faith will guide us down this road. I try not to question why because no ther family should have this challenge either. Thank you for your Sunday posts. God bless you.
Love your blog. Thank you for the reminder about faith and hope, even when life is messy.
Thank you for being there for us every day, even Sunday! You are part of my early morning coffee/get the day started routine. Love your new logo!
The Bible phone app is great for those already reading other daily posts online. You select a topic area- I’m doing prayer right now- and each day you get a devotion, a psalm & verses- it takes away the excuses-Thanks!
Thank you for these reminders!!! Love your Sunday posts!!!
I too gravitate towards Psalms….some of the more challenging scriptures can be unsettling. You are right that growth and peace are just around the corner….walking through the difficult times will get you there. Have a blessed Sunday. Best… kathy
Thank you Tania for these reminders. Like you, I too enjoy reading the uplifting scriptures and it is hard for me to study the more difficult challenging ones. Last year I did an excellent study on Job through First 5 (Proverbs 31 Ministries). I learned about Job’s three friends and how I do not want to be that kind of friend. I can now appreciate the “old saying “having the patience of Job”. Enjoy your Sunday. ~Lisa~
Lisa, I am in the middle of reading the back and forth between the friends. It just goes to show you that people might mean well but still not be helpful or uplifting.
Love your Sunday scripture posts!
Thank you. I am weathering a terrible storm of my own at the moment, having lost my husband very suddenly. Your words brought hope.
BJ, this brings tears to my eyes. I think that losing the person closest to us is our biggest fear. I am praying for your comfort. I know the Lord is there for you but I can’t imagine the pain that you are going through. Look back with gratitude and thankfulness for the years spent together and let your heart be filled with joyful memories.