1. We won't understand everything.
Life is full of mysteries, some tragic, some wonderful. We won't understand all of these mysteries until heaven (Isaiah 55:8-9; 1 Corinthians 13:12).
2. Not everything has a logical cause and effect.
When we assign blame to ourselves or others without clear evidence, we're like Job's friends who unjustly blamed Job for his sorrows. (See Scripture references in Christian Karma).
3. People don't need "good reasons" to sin.
Our present culture is sure that man is born good and he only sins because of bad circumstances. We Christians know better. It doesn't make sense why people sin against a loving God, but they do (Romans 3:23). Adam and Eve did it, so why are we surprised when others do it without good reason? (See Scripture references in Created and Born.)
We need to get comfortable with mystery in our walk with the Lord and quit creating explanations, doctrines, and formulas that are destined to fail. We aren't meant to know everything (Deuteronomy 29:29).
Bible Study
As you read through these passages, ask yourself whether you are comfortable with the mysteries involved in Christian faith.
God's Prerogative
Job's Friends
Job's friends could not deal with the fact that Job was righteous but was suffering. So they tried to find reasons for his tragedies. Below is one accusation from Eliphaz. Job 22:5: Is not your wickedness great? Are not your sins endless?
And this is God's response to Job's "friends"
Job 42:7: After the Lord had spoken these words to Job, the Lord said to Eliphaz the Temanite: “My anger burns against you and against your two friends, for you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has. (ESV)
For additional insights: Job's Friends
Joseph's Choice
The world is full of examples of people who faced hardship and did the right things and people who faced similar hardships and did the wrong things. Sin is a choice. Joseph wisely chose to live his life on this premise:
Genesis 50:20: You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.
Genesis 50:20 is the Old Testament equivalent of Romans 8:28, putting the hard mysteries of life into God's hands and trusting Him to work out everything for our good.
Romans 8:28: And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
For additional insights: Bad Blood
copyright 2015, Gail Burton Purath, BiteSizeBibleStudy.com
All Scripture linked, All Scripture NIV unless otherwise noted
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