LIFE LESSONS

Life Lessons He was a good man who fell on bad times. He tried to do right by everyone. Minded his business and was well respected by everyone until life dealt him a nasty blow. Folks had always wondered how everything went on so smoothly for him. How was he managing to keep it all together? Now that times were rough, they had the answer! He must have been bad all along. No wonder, they thought, he had it too good. 'Who has it all? We have always felt something was amiss just that we could not pin it. Now we know.' God cannot be mocked. Whatsoever a man sowed, he must reap! The worst blow was that which came from friends and family. They knew him well. They saw his goings-on, and at least they used to acknowledge that he tried his best, until things went south for him. Their opinions were as varied as there were human beings. Each one was pointing to the fact that God must be punishing him for some hidden sin. After all, no evil went unnoticed. They were wise men, older men, anointed men, experienced men and more. They should know but did they? Their analysis was fascinating. One thought Job was arrogant, another thought he was secretly sinning; yet another had lived long enough to know this was the way God dealt with pretenders. All sorts and all way off! Job reacted well to their accusations. What could he say? The odds were against him. All evidence showed him guilty. Everyone, including his closest allies who left all to come to help him out judged him sinful. But he knew better. The evidence stacked up, but his heart was clean. He could not prove his innocence, but he knew he was blameless. No one believed him, but that did not alter the truth. He knew about the invisible hand, but no one was hitting home. I am sure some of us can relate. Ever had your life dissected by shepherds who should bind you up? Ever had to endure snide remarks from people you entrusted with your pain? Do you know the agony of being pronounced guilty when you don't even know the offence? Has anyone ever called your name and you wondered how he or she came about that name? Have you ever been grossly misunderstood? Has anyone ever judged you unfairly? Have you ever wished for death because the earth and its inhabitants we're so hostile? Ask Job; he is a professor in that field. He knows that road well. Job's friends did not let up; your situation may be hell-bent on making you backslide. The times were rough for Job, but things turned around for him. Hold on my friend; God may be bragging on you! Job got double for his trouble, the promise we have is far better? God's ability reaches a thousandfold. Folks may have had a field day criticizing you. Wait for God, when the beat changes, they would sing another tune. Death may look like the only option but have you ever wondered why you are still here? The stuff you have been through has taken stronger men out. But here you are still hanging in there. Curse God and die! What good will that do? What does Job teach us? Many things! * * • Experience does not define God. * • God is too big for any finite mind. * • Judge not; you do not have all the facts. * • Be careful how you counsel, comfort or advice. You may be displaying your ignorance. Job's friends set out to help; they discovered they were the ones in need. There are many more lessons to learn. I am sure we can all benefit from your insight.