When we first learned to walk, we fell many times.  But we got up and tried again until eventually we learn how to walk.  Does the same happen when unpleasant circumstances comes and knock us down?  Do we fall, and not get up and be strong again?  Do we harbor bitterness against those who hurt us?  Or do we become sour towards life when our world seems to tear apart?

No, you don't think you deserve it.  You wondered if God had selected you to go through the same testing Job endured.  Nevertheless, life is not always smooth. In times like these, regardless of how long you knew God, it's easy to feel alone and estranged from God.  It's okay to cry, by all means, go ahead, it doesn't mean you are weak.   (cf. Matthew 5:4).

It's okay to tell God you don't understand, but do not question God's goodness towards mankind.  Did God ever promise that you would always understand His ways?     (cf. Isaiah 55:8-11).

Our God is an awesome God.  He does not need to explain to us why things have to happen this way or that way.  He does not owe us any explanation anyway.  We need to understand that life is not a bed of roses.  We need to understand that life is always full of ups and downs.  I know it's hard to accept, but the truth is we have to accept it, that's life.

When things come and knock us down, what shall we do then?

* Get down on our knees and pray-(cf. James 5:13 & 15)-The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much (v.16).

* Continue to praise and place our trust in Him-(Psalms 34:1 & 8) 

I once heard of a story of this farmer, who was carrying a sack of potatoes over his back, walking to the market. A bullock cart came along and offered him a ride to the market.  He gladly accepted the ride and sat behind the cart. After a while, the rider turned around to see how the farmer was doing, and to his surprise, saw the farmer carrying the sack on his back, while sitting in his cart!

Implication: We prayed about the issue but still carry the burden on ourselves.  We find it difficult to leave our burdens at the feet of Jesus.  We are almost like the farmer--we gladly accepted the ride, and yet we refuse to put down the sack of potatoes in the cart.  We need to learn from this story. Read Mathew 11:28-30.

The above 2 steps seems simple, but it's not easy to practice.  It takes courage to do so.  Thus, if the going gets tough, we need to pause, be calm and claim God's promises.  God can never take back his Word. Always call God's hotline number.  Jeremiah 33:3.

Walk...With Jesus...Walk Everyday...and...Walk all the Way...