The Upper Room Devotion for Tuesday, June 27, 2023, was written by Paramytha Magdalena Sukarno Putri of East Java, Indonesia.
Scripture
1 Then Job answered the Lord: 2 I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. 3 "Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?' Therefore, I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know. 4 "Hear, and I will speak; I will question you, and you declare to me.' 5 I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you; 6 therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes."
Job 42:1-6 NRSV
FINDING GOD
The year 2019 was a turning point for me, as well as one of the lowest times in my life. My husband and I lost our first child, who was only four days old. I struggled to accept and understand why such a good and loving God would allow all this to happen. Often I have questions, and there are no satisfactory answers. I had thought that believers would be blessed and spared from suffering and difficulties. But God helped me understand that all people experience suffering; there are no exceptions. God brought to my mind the story of Job, who was faithful and godly, but who suffered greatly. And even Jesus experienced great suffering on the cross. Through my suffering, I realized that I don’t have complete control over my life. Because of that, suffering can make people reject God. But at the same time, suffering leads us to a deeper knowledge of God. God longs for us to draw near and will enter into our suffering with us so that we may overcome.
Thoughts
Friends,
Our faith faces a stiff challenge when we endure hardships and trials that we cannot explain, nor do we think we deserve. As people of faith, it takes time for us to mature in our discipleship to the place where we, like Paramytha, recognize that faith in Christ does not excuse us from suffering. I invite you to re-read Paramytha’s reflection and meditate on how you might grow and mature in your relationship with God.
-Pastor Anthony
Prayer
Dear God, help us to find you amid our suffering. Draw us closer to you. Amen.
- Paramytha Magdalena Sukarno Putri