Job 2:9-10

Job 2 :9-10 - His wife said to him,“Are you still maintaining your integrity?  Curse God and die!”10 He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?
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Many of us ponder why we face trials and tribulations if there is a God. Job poignantly asked, “Shall we accept good from God and not trouble?” I'd like to share a personal experience that embodies this lesson: the loss of my father. Losing him was the most painful and traumatic event I've ever encountered. Before his passing, I knew who God was, but my devotion wasn't complete.

In discussions about death, I often comforted others with, “It’s okay… that person is with God now, so stop crying.” However, when my father passed, I found myself receiving this same comfort. After everyone left, I felt a surge of frustration and wanted to respond with, “Shut up!” I knew this thought was unkind, yet it lingered, almost as if it could ease my pain. Still, the scripture came to mind:
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James 1:19-21 - "19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you."

I sought God's forgiveness when I realized that the person I was upset with was simply being kind. In that moment, I felt a deep longing for my dad's return. This brought to mind the story of Samuel and Saul—how Samuel anointed Saul as king, yet Saul's continual disobedience led to God's rejection. Even so, Samuel's love for Saul remained strong, and he mourned him, perhaps longer than necessary.
In 1 Samuel 16:1, the Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him as king over Israel? Fill your horn with oil and be on your way; I am sending you to Jesse of Bethlehem. I have chosen one of his sons to be king.”

I felt God was asking me, “How long will you mourn for your dad, Delacey?” I listened to the Holy Spirit, guiding me to rise up from my isolation. Though Satan attempted to overwhelm me with negative thoughts, God triumphed! He is an awesome God! Hallelujah!
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I learned to trust God over my emotions. My prayers transformed from pleading for my dad’s return to asking for deliverance from my grief. My heart ached deeply, yet I realized that as humans, we often hold on to sorrow longer than necessary. My dad used to say, “Don’t cry for me when I am gone. Once they throw that dirt on top of me, that’s it.” Mourning is important, but we must also seek healing and embrace the journey ahead.
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Matthew 5:4“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. You must pray for the person that has left to heaven and pray for the ones that were left behind. Pray for deliverance over the pain of emptiness, crying, sadness, depression, anger and other emotions that are meant to destroy you by satan.
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Revelation 21:4 - He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.
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My Father in Heaven gave me life to live. One day, I accepted that I could no longer call or see my father on Earth. I embraced the strength that God has given me to overcome any challenge. I had always relied on my earthly father, and now I learned to depend on my Father in Heaven.

Initially, it was difficult, but God has brought me to a place where I can smile when I think of my father in Heaven. Some days, I might even cry, but I won’t let my emotions diminish the life God has given me. It’s crucial to find a scripture, a song, or something uplifting to fill that void. I’m referring to gospel songs that uplift the soul and spirit. Press on with God and persevere! You are victorious!
Take the love you had for your loved one and share it with others. I was inspired to read the book of Job again. Job was wealthy and had everything until, one day, it was all taken from him. His response to his wife and friends reflected his deep love and faith in God. Our human instinct can lead us to unstable emotions after a trial, but we must remember God.

When we encounter trials in life, we should turn to our Father in Heaven in prayer. Honestly express your pain to God, and watch as He guides you through it. Though His help may not come on your timetable, trusting in God, who provides hope, is invaluable. Remember, even if you can’t see Him, He is always there. Don’t lose hope. The story of Job teaches us about an incredibly strong faith in the face of adversity.

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Reflecting on the book of Job has shown me to trust God more than people, as “no one is perfect.” Leaning too heavily on others can lead to emotional hurt, but we must strive to forgive and love once more. Love is our ultimate goal, transcending unhealthy emotions. This journey requires maturity, achievable only with God’s guidance. 

I once avoided engaging with those who hurt me, but through time spent with God, I learned to pray and forgive. Now, love flows more freely! Why? Because it’s focused on God, not me! It’s all about love!

Romans 8:26-30 states:
26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.
27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

Even if you grew up responding with grudges and hate, you can choose a different path. Remind yourself to set aside your emotions and seek God’s guidance through prayer and listening.
People pleasers often seek to please others instead of God. They may go out of their way to make others happy, which can harm their health and relationship with Him. God may have sent you to help someone in a way that brings Him glory—not you!
For example, I sought my mother’s approval, which I never received. I would do excessive things for her hoping for acceptance. I realized I was relying on my efforts to change our relationship instead of depending on God. While I hold some responsibility, I cannot change my mother, but I can change my response and reactions. My response and reaction are rooted in love. We must not allow anyone to destroy our relationship with God.

Galatians 1:10: 10 Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Matthew 5:14-16: “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Romans 14:17-19: “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit; because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval. Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification.”
Remember, we do not have the power to change anyone—only God can transform hearts. God is the ultimate change-maker. I once believed I could change someone I loved, but I learned that true change comes from within and with God’s guidance. Denying this truth can lead to disappointment. It’s easy to think that we can influence someone through our actions, but that merely places a condition on love. Isn’t it a poignant reflection that we often strive to love and please others, yet may overlook our relationship with God? Many invest time in understanding their partner, yet when asked, “What does God hate?” they struggle to find an answer. Let us seek to deepen our knowledge and connection with God, so we can truly shine His light in our lives.

It states it in Proverbs 6:16- There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him: 17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, 18 a heart that devises wicked schemes,feet that are quick to rush into evil, 19 a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.

To cultivate a deep and intimate relationship with God, immerse yourself in the Bible to truly understand Him and discern His desires and values. God is worth knowing! Reflect on whether you genuinely know Him or if you only seek Him during difficult times. Let us not simply use God for miracles, but embrace the journey of building a meaningful connection with Him.

Look at this...Matthew 7:24-27  24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.

"God is my Rock! I believe in, trust, and acknowledge who He is! He is the Alpha and the Omega (Revelation 1:8). If you trust and learn of Him before the Trials and Tribulations (TaT's), you will be firmly rooted against the calamities that come your way.

One word I hold close to my heart, which fuels my journey, is perseverance. The Oxford Languages defines perseverance as persistence in doing something despite difficulties or delays in achieving success. The key word is persistence; we must keep going, no matter what. Do not let the TaT’s of life defeat who God has made us to be!

View TaT's from a different perspective. Many of our challenges stem from our own sins. We create our difficulties and then seek answers from God. For example, I had two children out of wedlock, believing in love that wasn’t true. The challenges of raising two kids with daycare costs and hardships were overwhelming, yet I thank God for the supportive family I had. My choices could have led to serious consequences, but by His grace, I was saved.

In times of difficulty while raising my children, I often questioned where God was, not realizing He had been with me all along. I recall a night at 19 when I faced a gun pointed at me, and we feared for our lives. The next day, I encountered that same person again, who had someone punch me in the face. Instead of falling, I stood my ground. Later, I learned that he had been provoked by drugs. My poor choices nearly cost me my life.

A month later, the same individual was murdered at the park. I didn’t rejoice at his death, but I understood that God has a plan and purpose for me. God has been so good to me, and He has been good to you too. Remember to reflect on God’s goodness when you find yourself in the valley of TaT's."

Isaiah 41:10 - 10 So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand..
Psalm 147:3 - He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.​
1 Peter 5:7-11 - 7 Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings.
10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.