In about a year’s time friends of ours lost an adopted daughter, a biological daughter, and a sister. Other friends lost their youngest son and had a second-trimester miscarriage. When I think of these dear families, I ask God, “Why? Why them, again?” My instinct is to think it unfair and unloving for God to allow these things.


But I know that I can’t tell God what is fair or loving. Who am I – who couldn’t exist without His creating me and preserving my life – to tell God what love is? When I hear of a family beaten by the blows of life, I think of Job and the unspeakable, swift succession of tragedy that came his way. Also I think of Satan, waiting in the wings: Surely, God’s servant will curse Him now. The audience waits in anticipation. Will Job still praise God?


Job proves to be a faithful servant. Upheld by God’s power, he praises God’s name and scolds those who encourage him to despair. The Word tells us that as Job did, we can praise God in all situations, though we may never understand
His workings.