There are times in life when we get to face some sort of injustice. These unwanted moments come in different shapes and sizes: Some get blamed for something they didn't do; others get caught up in a sticky situation they were never really involved in; and at other times some just get treated badly even when they did nothing wrong.
Have you ever been in such a predicament? If you have, then be encouraged to read this: You are not alone. The Bible says that all of us go through what is common to man. You aren't the only one who faces injustice every now and then – we all do.
A Biblical encouragement
One of the most prominent Bible characters who experienced such injustice, at least from the normal human perspective, is the man named Job. He is described as a man who "was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil" (Job 1:1). Apparently, if he lived today Job would be known for being such an honourable man in the face of severe misfortune.
What did Job do wrong?
Job was very exemplary. He provided for his family very well. He wasn't too uptight with his kids, and in fact he kept praying to the Lord for them (see Job 1:2-5). And because he "is blameless—a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil," God was proud of him – to the point of showing him off to Satan (see Job 1:8).
However, despite the fact that Job did nothing wrong, bad things happened to him. He lost his kids, his fortunes, and even had his wife desert his faith (see job 1:13-19; 2:9-10). He acquired boils (see Job 2:7-8), and even had his friends blaming him for all the misfortune he faced. Why did all this happen?
Why bad things happen to good people
Friends, Satan caused all those unwanted events to happen to Job (see Job 1:8-12, 2:3-7). In the same way, when bad things happen to us even though we did nothing wrong, it's Satan who causes all of those bad things to happen.
One thing that we should all remember, however, is that when we go through bad times even if we're walking right before the Lord, we are only being refined and "tested." All of these bad times aren't meant to curse us and kill us. Rather, they're meant for the greater good, if we are in Christ (see Genesis 50:20; Romans 8:28).
An encouragement
At the end of it all, God blessed Job with so much more than what he lost (see Job 42:7-17).
Friends, I would like to encourage you: Hold on to your faith in God. After all is said and done, God is still there, loving us.
