Fate Comes Crashing In

Did you catch the story on the news the other day? A military fighter jet lost power over San Diego and came crashing down into a residential area. It landed on a home and killed a family of four. Fortunately, the pilot was able to eject, but can you imagine the survivor guilt that he must be experiencing? You know it wasn't his fault, but he also can't help but wonder...if only.

It can only be described as fate. Life changes and moves in a split second and something happens that we had absolutely no control over. That's the story of Job in the Old Testament. Here's a man that had his herds consumed by fire and lightning, his children were killed when the house they were dining in collapsed on them and rebel fighters took his servants and destroyed his home. In a single afternoon every one of his worldly possessions were absolutely ripped away from him, and his faith was tested.

How would he respond? Would he curse God? Would he lose faith? Some people read the story and they are irritated that God would allow him to be tormented like that (even if he did make out really good in the end), but they're missing the heart of the story. They overlook the entire point. Job kept his faith in check. Even in spite of all the horrible things he experienced, he trusted in the Lord, and he learned that you can never "hold God accountable." God is sovereign. He reports to no one. And honestly, it doesn't matter what happens, it's not God that's going to be judged. To think otherwise is arrogant.

What do you have on God? Did you create all this? Have you been around since the beginning of time? What do you think gives you the right to demand that He bless you? That's just ridiculous. We don't bless God. God blesses us for our faithfulness. God blesses us when we persevere through tragedy. God blesses us based on our response--and our response doesn't have to be perfect. It just has to be faithful. Sure, when fate comes crashing in you may wonder why, but keep that in the realm of wondering. God will take care of the rest.