Saturday, September 12, 2009

Cold Comfort

Focus verses: Job 16:1-17

The dialogue between Eliphaz and Job continues. Eliphaz continues that it is the wicked whom God afflicts. And that Job cannot possibly be righteous.

Job, however, has been righteous. And he knows it. He claims it. He doesn't understand why God allowed this to happen, nor does he buy into the lie that he must have done something to bring it on himself.

Too often, we tend to blame the victim. If a woman is the victim of domestic violence, she carries a double shadow. What did she do to deserve this? Why doesn't she leave him? So the situation becomes her fault -- somehow.

If you are not prospering in your business or personal relationships, it must be that you have done something wrong. You are not pleasing the Lord, or He would make things prosper for you.

It doesn't work that way. And those people who insist that is does should stay away from sorrow and tragedy in other people's lives. The last thing a sufferer needs is someone to shake a finger in his face and point out his shortcomings.

Father, God,

Help me to speak words of life and comfort to those around me who suffer. Let me reflect some of Your light and love into each life I touch.
In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.

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