Reflections

³“Does God pervert justice?
   Or does the Almighty pervert what is right?
⁴“If your sons sinned against Him,
  Then He delivered them into the power of their transgression.
⁵“If you would seek God
   And implore the compassion of the Almighty,
⁶If you are pure and upright,
   Surely now He would rouse Himself for you
   And restore your righteous estate. Job 8:3-6

When the World Trade Center was attacked on September 11, 2001, some people said that God was judging the United States.  When Katrina happened in New Orleans, some said it was God judging New Orleans.  When the earthquake in Haiti happened some said it was because of the past sins of Haiti and the curse of the nation.  There are some that when tragedy strikes they believe it is God’s way of punishing them for their sin.  Job’s friend Bildad believed that God was punishing Job and his children because of their sins.

When Jesus died on the cross God judged sin then and there.  It is finished.  Jesus paid it all.  God declared Job righteous, therefore, God was not punishing Job for his sins.  God loves us and abounds in mercy and love.  He is not looking to punish us or destroy us because we don’t measure up.  God loves us so much.  He is full of kindness, mercy and grace.  He is not looking down on us waiting to punish our sins; Jesus already endured the punishment of sin.

In times of trouble, God will arouse Himself for us and deliver us.  It is not contingent on whether or not we are right with God.  If we are in need He will meet us where we are at.  God has already delivered us from sin and death through Jesus Christ, so now we can rest in the knowledge that He will deliver us in the days of trouble.