Sometimes in life tragedies happen. We don’t understand why they occur, but they are a fact of life here on earth. We may be tempted to dishonor God by blaming Him for not preventing those tragedies, but that would be a mistake. That would only prove that we lack faith in Him. It would show that we don’t truly believe that He loves us. But His love for us was proven once for all, beyond a shadow of a doubt, when He sent His only begotten Son to die for us. Faith is the substance of things not seen. No matter what happens, we have to hold on to that faith.

The apostles were preaching in the Temple and were imprisoned and tortured for serving the Lord. When they were released, they left rejoicing that God had counted them worthy to suffer dishonor for the name of Jesus (Acts 5:41). After Paul and Silas were unjustly stripped and severely beaten by the order of Philippian city officials, they prayed and sang worship songs in prison. When Stephen was being stoned by envious Jewish leaders, he did not get mad at God, but rather kept his chin up, gazing steadily at Jesus standing in the glory of God. In all three examples, they worshipped God in the worst of circumstances. They were the kind of true worshippers that the Father is seeking. They had faith to see beyond what they were going through. And they worshipped God even though they were suffering.

Job was a man of God, too. But he didn’t know why he was suffering. At least in the three New Testament examples, they knew they were suffering for the name of Christ, who had already suffered for their sakes. But it was different for Job. He had been faithful to the Lord for his whole life. And without reason, everything he had was ripped away. He didn’t know why. Sometimes bad things happen and we don’t know why. But even then, we must remember that God is good. He has proved that to us through Jesus Christ. Even when we suffer for no apparent reason, we must fight the good fight and keep the faith.

Lord, please give me the faith of a true worshipper. Let me learn to keep my eyes on You through every circumstance, large or small. Let me worship and rejoice to be one with You, whether in honor or dishonor. Praise You, Lord. You are awesome in power and amazing in love and patience. I long to know You deeply.