Job 4-7, 1 Corinthians 14:18-40, Psalms 37:30-40, Proverbs 21:27

What God said to me – There is an age-old question – “why do bad things happen to good people?” – even more pointed – “why do bad things happen to My people?”  Look at Job – he was a righteous and a godly man and yet he suffered in ways that very few people in history have ever suffered.  As you ponder the answers and wrestle with the “whys” and “why nots” you find nothing that satisfactorily explains it.  It comes down to faith.  It comes down to trust.  It comes down to who “I AM” and My character.  “I AM” holy.  “I AM” righteous.  “I AM” good.  I cannot and will not act outside of that and in contradiction to who “I AM”.  I have a plan for each one of My children that is for their good and for My glory.  So, as you go through life and “bad things” happen, remember these truths.  You may not understand it.  You may not like it.  You may not agree with it, but you can in faith say, “I trust you Lord, do your work in Me.  You are always good and You are at work in Me for good.”  Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the convictions of things not seen.  Trust Me even when you don’t see it.

Job 1-3, 1 Corinthians 14:1-17, Psalms 37:12-29, Proverbs 21:25-26

What God said to me – Have you ever sat by a skating rink and watched the skaters?  There is usually a small child whose dad is teaching them how to skate.  One thing you notice is that the child doesn’t hold the dad’s hand – the dad holds the child’s hand so that when they stumble or fall, and they will, the child is not hurled headlong onto the rink but is safely held by the father until they can regain their footing.  This is such a good picture of how I teach you and direct your path.  I have a plan for you, and I have established your steps.  I hold onto you so that when you stumble or fall, and you will, you will not be hurled headlong.  I’ll help you regain your footing so you can continue on.  Like the proud dad who guides and instructs and holds on and picks up and comforts, “I AM” there – cling to Me and don’t let go.

Esther 8-10, 1 Corinthians 12:27-13:13, Psalms 37:1-11, Proverbs 21:23-24

What God said to me – The world is becoming a darker and darker place – with twenty-four-hour news and the internet you can’t escape the stories of evil and all the horrible things happening.  If you are not careful, you will find yourself constantly fretting and worrying and withdrawing from society because of fear.  Rather than those things causing you to worry, let them be the impetus to cause you to pray – pray for those affected – pray for opportunities to minister and to share – pray for My will to be done on earth as it is in heaven – pray for My coming.  Don’t let evil become the focus of your thoughts and conversation, but trust in Me and do good – be the light in the darkness.  It is easy to be overwhelmed and depressed and frightened when the lead story is always tragic and bad news abounds.  Rather than commiserate with one another and constantly rehash the bad news, use it as an opportunity to minister and to encourage.  I have given you the joy and peace and hope and love that people so desperately need so be intentional and share.  Overcome evil with good.