FROM GRIEF TO GLORY
- Key Verse
- "Surely such is the dwelling of an evil man; such is the place of one who knows not God." (Job 18:21)
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
Job's friend was so convinced that bad things only happened to bad people that he couldn't see there could be a bigger reason for Job's misfortunes.
Reflections
"If you make bad choices, bad things happen." I've told my children that time and time again, and it's something we all understand -- even if we don't always act on it. However, it doesn't always follow that bad things are the result of bad choices, nor that the people who run into misfortune did anything to deserve it--something Job's friend Bildad wasn't able to accept. In his mind, Job's tragic losses could only have been caused by hidden wickedness, not by a God who wanted to make an example of Job's faithfulness.Our family recently had a similar experience when my brother, Tim, lost his life. Tim was an honor student, West Point graduate, loving father and husband and deeply-committed Christian. He had served as a chaplain's assistant, taught Sunday school, led a cadet Bible study and took every opportunity to share his faith with those around him, no matter how slight the acquaintance. Then, less than a year into his first deployment to Iraq, his truck rolled into a canal and he and another soldier were trapped inside and drowned.
The news of Tim's death devastated our family. Tim was going to be a doctor, he was going to have more children, he was going to continue to be the life of every family gathering. Why would God take him away so early? Then notes and letters started pouring in from people around the world, talking about how Tim's example had touched their lives. Some said that they'd heard the gospel from him but were reluctant to make the final decision until they'd learned what had happened. Others said that they felt called now to take up his mantle and become more active in living out their faith and sharing it with other people. With each new example, our family was comforted that God was using our tragic loss for the Kingdom's gain.
Discussion Questions
1. What is a tragedy or misfortune you've been through that you felt you didn't deserve?2. Can you see a way God has used those situations to help you or someone else grow?
3. Have you been guilty of judging another when you see them going through hardships?
Comments
The views expressed under “Comments” are solely
those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Hill Country Bible Church NW.
Chip Smith
March 24, 2010 06:11 AM
Hello Christy. Thank you for sharing the story of your brother, Tim, and the testimonies of the positive effect of a life spent in the service of God. It sounds like your brother did live with the end in mind and made the most of every opportunity to spread the Gospel (Ephesians 5:15-16). Wow, it really inspired me this morning. I am now another testimony added to the many of someone who has been effected for good by the life of your brother. I will be looking forward to meeting him some day.
Laurie Carlson
March 24, 2010 08:16 AM
Christy, I am very sorry for your loss. There are no words that can bring your brother home, only words of encouragement to live his example to others. I recently read a book written by the parents of a son who died at age 15. They used his journal entries and many quotes from his family and friends of what BJ's life meant to them as they witnessed his genuine faith and trust in God. BJ's quote that profoundly impacted me was "You'll never know why you're alive until you know what you'd die for." BJ Higgins 1989-2005, he lived to intro others to God. This reminded me of your brother's story.
Jennifer Smith
March 24, 2010 08:53 AM
Christy, thanks for your devotional. Your brother sounds like a wonderful person. You've certainly honored his memory with this devotional, but more importantly, his life and your telling of his testimony to others brings so much glory to God. I hope your family will continue to be comforted and encouraged knowing this.
Harriet Smith
March 24, 2010 10:49 AM
Christy, I was moved to tears by the story of your brother. What a great example of someone living for the eternal. I'm sorry for your lose, yet grateful for the legacy your brother has left his family. I too look forward to meeting him one day. Thanks for sharing this example that in a sense echos Job's experience. May you and your family follow in the footsteps of your brother in sharing the gospel with all those you can while you can. None of us knows that day God will call us home. He was ready. We need to be ready as well.
Susan Peisker
March 24, 2010 11:23 AM
God bless you, Christy, for sharing the story of your brother, Tim, and your family's journey through grief. Not only did your brother bless others in his life by sharing Jesus, but you are continuing that same work by telling us his story and yours. You are encouraging others (including me!)through your testimony, just as your brother encouraged others through his. What a wonderful thing to be able to share with your brother when you are reunited some day. To God be the glory!
Beckye Estill
March 24, 2010 12:30 PM
Christy, thank you for sharing this with us. May God continue to comfort and encourage you and your family, and may He continue to glorify Himself and draw many to Himself through your brother's testimony. What an inspiration!
linda Jean Butler
March 24, 2010 07:07 PM
What an amazing testimony to leave. I am so sorry that you miss him in this life, but what a comfort to know that he is waiting for you. Thanks for sharing your heart and touching the lives of many more.
Laura Grimes
March 24, 2010 08:26 PM
I lost my brother in 1980, and I still think of him each day. No longer with pain, but with love. May God bless and comfort you and your family.