Give & Take

GIVE & TAKE

By: Julie Souza Bradley Lilly

"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." – Job 1:21

The book of Job starts out with a bang.  Job’s blessings were catastrophically stripped away along with his health.  This godly man—once tremendously blessed—found himself bereft, covered in boils and falsely accused.

It isn’t always “good” that enters our lives, and it isn’t only “bad” that is taken away.  Both good and bad visit us all.  And when going through pain and loss, it is tempting to question God’s goodness and if He truly cares.

Having experienced suffering of my own, I would never want to discount your pain.  But even when we hurt and life makes no sense, God remains a good Father.  And as every good parent knows, sometimes what is best for a child does not feel like best to them.

Receiving a “no” to a requested danger, discipline for disobedience or having a corrupting relationship curtailed may sting.  But a good parent acts out of selfless love, with the child’s benefit in mind.

The Lord can handle it when we are angry, hurt and don’t understand.  His love does not change.  His scepter remains extended to come with both worship and tears.

Come and let Him love you.  Crawl up on His lap. Let your tears fall.  Let Him massage your aching soul. You may not come away with understanding, but your heartaches will surely be met with compassion.

Father, may we hold tightly to You through good times and bad.  Comfort us in our hurt and confusion.  On the days when we feel like Job, help us to stay the course, so we also, like Job, may find ourselves ultimately blessed.

Giver of every good and perfect gift, we open our hands before You.  We trust in Your goodness—both for the blessings You will give and for those that, in Your love and wisdom, will be taken away.  In Jesus’ Name ❤️

https://www.facebook.com/Prayers-of-a-Ragamuffin-Warrior-171515087035441/

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