In this passage, we see that two disciples of Jesus (James and Peter) are being persecuted y order of the king. Now, the Bible says this: “Then he killed James the brother of John with the sword. And because he saw that it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to seize Peter also” (verses 2-3). My brother, my sister, life is full of difficult situations and sometimes we wonder why things happen the way they happen. Why did God allow James to die and yet miraculously save Peter? Some questions we may have will never find answers until we get to know the whole truth of the plan of God revealed: why is one child physically disabled and another child athletically gifted? Why is it someone who has children would neglect them while a barren woman would cry for a child? Why do people die before realising their full potential? Questions like these we cannot possibly answer in this life because we do not see all that God sees.
You see, God chose to allow evil in this world for a time. But we can trust His leading and control over every event because He has promised to destroy all evil eventually. In the meantime, as believers, we should always be confident that God will help us get out of suffering and difficulties that He also use to strengthen us and for His glory. My friend, we must learn to experience life as Job did: one day at a time and without complete answers to all questions of life. This is actually trusting God no matter what happens. The fact is, the heart of man is full of sin and evil, and sin has twisted justice and made our world unpredictable and ugly. Yet and still, God is in control and He is slow to anger because He wants all to be saved. What seems unfair and unjust for us might be even more painful for Him, because He is the God of justice and righteousness… and it was never His intention that man should be so evil: ” the Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intent of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord was sorry that He had made man on the earth, and He was grieved in His heart” (Genesis 6:5-6).
My friend, like Job who was a good man suffering for no apparent fault of his own, you may be wondering when a brighter day will come. Today, also keep in mind that Job’s story did not end in despair as his faith in God was unshakable… yes, Job lived to see God’s ultimate purpose come to pass through his restoration. You may not see all that God sees, but have confidence that Christ suffered on the cross so that you can see God’s ultimate purpose come to pass in your life… so hold firm in your faith. Stay blessed in Jesus’ name.