January 4th : Read Job 1-5

Job 1-5 covers Job's tragic losses, Job's first speech, and Eliphaz’s First Response.

     I learned a long time ago not to say what I would do in if I were in someone else's shoes. When I have found myself in difficult circumstances I didn't do what I thought I would do. I don't know what I would do if I just lost everything, and my kids all died. I don't even want to think about it. And then to have a friend say that these types of things don't happen to people who are following God, but to the wicked. That's like saying it's your fault that your kids are all dead, you must have sinned somehow. The bible tells us that it was not because of any sin Job committed, Job was a righteous man.
     I have Multiple Chemical Sensitivities. I react to things in my environment, similar to an allergy. An allergy is an overactive immune system, but a sensitivity is an overactive nervous system. Allergy medications don't help for sensitivities and there is no cure. I have been told by well meaning people that I just have to have more faith. I just have to believe God will heal me and He will. This is similar to Eliphaz's thinking it was something Job did that caused the tragedy and Job just needed to repent. It is not Job who caused the tragedy, or God. Satan has power, and he caused the tragedy. It is the cost of living in a fallen world. Yes, our bad choices can cause illness or tragedy, but sometimes illness or tragedy are caused by others. And sometimes illness and tragedy just happen through no fault of our own. Regardless of how it happens, God will get us through it.

     Lord, I thank you for my family, and for the privilege of raising our children. Please help me to not take them for granted.