READ
REFLECT
Everyone in life goes through hardship. For some, the hardships are much more difficult to overcome than others. How do we handle hardship?
When something changes in our lives that we don’t like, do we become bitter? Or do we take difficult circumstances and try to learn something from them?
It’s easier said than done, right? You could unexpectedly lose a loved one, a job, or a home. Time isn’t promised, and sometimes the one thing we say won’t ever happen to us does. In those moments, we are tested in ways we could never imagine.
If it’s getting to the point where you don’t think you can handle it, think about Job. Scripture tells us that Job was a husband, father, and leader in his community. He is referred to as the “Greatest Man in the East.” Job wasn’t just spiritually wealthy, either. He was rich according to the time period and had thousands of sheep, camels, and other animals.
But Job didn’t have it easy. God allowed Satan to intervene in his life. He lost his health, children, flocks, and his wealth.
Despite losing every material thing and every person close to him, Job never gave up on God. Instead, he praised him. After everything, he fell to the ground and said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.”
RESPOND
Read Job’s full story. Write down any feelings after reading it.
Think about one of the harder experiences you’ve had and how you handled it.
