Among them, Scotland's early exit on June 23rd left many questioning what went wrong. Steve Clarke, Scotland's manager, attributed their failure to the whims of the footballing gods, suggesting a cosmic force that was harsh and unpredictable. This pantheistic notion echoes through our culture, implying that such gods are capricious and indifferent. However, this stands in stark contrast to the depiction of the Lord God in the Bible, who is neither capricious nor indifferent but instead embodies a consistent and just nature.
This brings up a profound question: is life random? It's a question that surfaces more often during disappointment or difficult times. When life is smooth, we attribute success to our efforts. However, during hardships, we search for external forces to blame. The Bible teaches that a person reaps what they sow (Gal 6:7-8), yet it also acknowledges the seeming unfairness of life, where people suffer without apparent personal fault.
A poignant biblical example is found in the Book of Job. Job, a man of integrity, suffered immense loss – his wealth, children, and health – despite his righteousness (Job 1:8). Naturally, he questioned why. This query resonates throughout scripture. For instance, the Psalmist Asaph asks,
“Has his steadfast love forever ceased? Are his promises at an end for all time? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he in anger shut up his compassion?” (Psalm 77:8-9 ESV).
The Bible offers insight into Job's suffering, revealing that it was an attempt by Satan to undermine God’s glory, to illustrate that man’s worship of God is only a result of God’s favour and kindness (Job 1:10). God permitted Satan’s work against Job and underscored in so doing that suffering is limited (Job 1:12) and within God's control. As Paul reminds the Corinthians,
“No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13 ESV).
Was Job justified in questioning God? Does human suffering detract from God's glory? Can we expect or demand better from God, given His declaration of goodness,
“You are good and do good; teach me your statutes” (Psalms 119:68 ESV).
After Job's trials, he gained not only restoration but also a deeper understanding of his suffering. Job learned that his suffering was not random but served a divine purpose, leading him to recognize his own insignificance and repent. To repent even of the idea that God was less than what He declared himself to be in Scripture.
God's explanation to Job was not a justification, but a revelation of His greatness and authority. This revelation silenced Job's complaints, emphasizing that God's nature and character are such that He is worthy of our trust whether or not there are clear explanations of His plans.
Another example is Joseph, whose betrayal by his brothers and subsequent hardships could have seemed like divine punishment. Yet, Joseph later realised that what his brothers intended for evil, God meant for good (Genesis 50:20). Similarly, Peter encouraged Christians persecuted under Nero, explaining that their faith, refined by trials, would bring praise, honour, and glory at Christ's revelation (1 Peter 1:6-7).
These biblical accounts do not minimize the real suffering and pain people endure. However, they provide an anchor in the storm: the sovereignty and goodness of God. When life doesn't go as expected, the tendency is to blame others and, ultimately, God. In Psalm 77, as he remembered God's works and faithfulness, Asaph’s perspective shifted, changing his view of his circumstances,
“Then I said, ‘I will appeal to this, to the years of the right hand of the Most High.’ I will remember the deeds of the LORD; yes, I will remember your wonders of old. I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God?” (Psalm 77:10-13 ESV).
In conclusion, may we avoid unwittingly adopting the mindset of those that regard the gods, if they exist, at best as uncaring and at worst as malevolent. Let's recognise that, whether it is simply a disappointing result or a really deep trial, events in life can push us away from God or draw us closer to Him. By turning to Scripture and understanding God’s eternal perspective, we can navigate life's challenges with faith. Recognising God’s sovereignty and goodness, even in trials, allows us to see beyond our immediate pain to the greater purposes He may be working out in us.
