Ecclesiastes
I saw all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun. Ecclesiastes 8:17 (Read 8:14-17)
Why do “bad” things happen to good people? Abel was murdered in his youth. Jonathan died in battle. Jeremiah had to suffer in the miry pit. A Christian’s car gets vandalized. A Christian is suffering in the hospital. A Christian’s identity is stolen. — Why? We struggle to understand, because our point of view is “under the sun;” it is earthly. Only God has the heavenly perspective. Unless He shows us what is happening “above the sun,” “a man labors to discover it, yet he will not find it.”
Wouldn’t it be nice to be in on the decision making process? This could never happen unless we stop sinning. Maybe then, God would seek our advice. But, of course, we don’t stop and sin distorts our judgment. After all, who would ever choose pain or sorrow to be a part of life? Yet, without such reminders of our sinfulness, we would stop fleeing to Jesus for forgiveness; we would stop longing for the eternal peace found in His blood. What should you do, then?
#1. Pray. – Pray that God will not let you forget your need for the cleansing blood of Jesus every day. If suffering helps you to remember, pray that God will grant you the grace to endure it without complaint.
#2. Regard your status.– You are a child of God on the road to eternal glory. Such confident knowledge will give you peace and contentment in the days of adversity.
#3. Enjoy. – In this hope, enjoy the good things of life, “because a man has nothing better under the sun than to eat, drink, and be merry.” God wants you to enjoy the fruit of your labor. So, live each day for itself and don’t worry about tomorrow. Leave that to the all-wise, all-loving, all-powerful God. Knowing that God governs our daily life will enable us to enjoy today and to trust that He will take care of tomorrow.
O God, grant that we may live today in faith and love, enjoying the fruit of our labor, and trusting in You to give +us what we need tomorrow. Hear us for Jesus’ sake. Amen.