God Can Use Our Distress For Good
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin ArticlesKnown as the three “D’s” of distress — death, divorce, and disease — can slice through our lives like a storm of sorrow, raising doubts and destroying dreams.
For example, in a short period of time, Job lost his children, his health, his wealth, and his wife’s respect (Job 1:1-22; Job 2:1-13). Job’s distress was so great that he pleaded:
“May the day perish on which I was born” (Job 3:3).
Job wanted God to erase all memory of his existence. He had enjoyed years of success and respect — Now, he questioned his very purpose for living (Job 3:20; cf. Jeremiah 20:18).
Job wanted to die and be forgotten, but instead God made sure his name and story would be preserved and remembered for future generations (James 5:10-11).
Rather than give Job what he asked for, God gave future generations an inside look at the spiritual battle between God and Satan. The result is a God-inspired book about suffering that has comforted countless people throughout the centuries.
Looking at the example of Job, we understand that if some adversity actually happens to us — God can turn it around use it for good (Romans 8:28; cf. Job 42:10).
Praise God for His mercy and grace in our time of great need! (Hebrews 4:16; cf. 2 Corinthians 12:7-10).
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