Life often seems unfair, doesn’t it? Because of this, many conclude that God is unreasonable in his demands. This is what a man named Job thought. As you probably remember, Job was a man who lost his all of his children, his wealth, his health, and his reputation.
In the midst of his suffering, Job cried, ‘How frail is humanity! How short is life, and how full of trouble! Like a flower, we blossom for a moment and then wither. Like the shadow of passing cloud, we quickly disappear. Must you keep an eye on such a frail creature and demand an accounting from me? Who can create purity in one born impure?‘ (Job 14:1-4).
That’s a good question – one that most of us in recovery have asked in one form or another. Job persisted in his questioning because deep inside he believed God to be good, even though he was suffering terribly. He was honest with his emotions and questions, but he never stopped seeking God!
Are you suffering or struggling in your recovery? Have you found the recovery process to be one of the hardest things you’ve ever done? Have you felt lonely and isolated? Recovery is difficult and has no short cuts. It requires hard work and a firm commitment to making real changes – and, it requires a willingness to acknowledge difficult and painful realities.
While working through the pain and unfairness of life, you may have to be satisfied with trusting God, even though you simply don’t understand. But be assured: if you trust God and seek him in the hard times, your good Father will respond with blessing and faith.
Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the Lord your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. – Deuteronomy 31:6