Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

James 1:17 New International Version

 

It is important to remind ourselves that we have a good and perfect Father who gives us good and perfect gifts. Despite life’s suffering and setbacks, we can have confidence that God is true to His character and promises. Though God may not stop things from happening all the time, He has the ability to turn even the worst tragedy into something glorious and beautiful.

We all dislike suffering, but it is a part of life. However, we must not let our circumstances and feelings dictate what we believe about God. It will lead to discouragement, bitterness and anger. Left unchecked, it can damage faith.

Too often we blame God and do not trust Him for what we don’t understand. That was Job’s story. During his suffering, he had little comfort from friends and partly because they thought he deserved his fate. Though Job remained steadfast he had to outgrow his outlook of God and move to a greater level of understanding of who God is to him and who he is to God. It is when Job saw God with fresh eyes that God confirmed Job's innocence by restoring his fortune and family to him.

God did not bless Job so that he can go back to a life of security and safety. Rather, God blessed Job so that he knows beyond all doubt that God is his perfect and perpetual security and safety. Out of that tragic episode, Job became a wounded healer and subsequently, he meditated on behalf of his three friends who spoke falsely about God.

Suffering does not limit God in any way. God can weave His purpose into our pain and accomplish something beyond our imagination and expectations. Instead of seeing personal suffering as some sort of punishment, pray that God will make real for you His unceasing love and mercy. God can reframe your undue hurt and loss for your good and His glory. This is because our Father is unwaveringly committed to the welfare of His children.