Job 21:1-16  “Life’s Contradictions”

INTRODUCTION: “NOBODY LOVES YOU WHEN YOUR DOWN AND OUT.”

It does not take us long get to Jobs place during adversity.  Job goes through the cycle of morning.  First is denial “this really isn’t happening, then there is anger this must be a mistake, now Job lands on the idea that life is not fair.  Remember Job has gone from totally blessed to total distress, in the blink of an eye.  We all deal with adversity in different ways, some cry in their brokenness, others get angry, some seek revenge, yet they are all from the same place.

1. THE WICKED PROSPER

           A.  THE WICKED LIVE LONG
            B. THEY GAIN POWER
            C. THEIR CHILDREN ARE MANY  AND  HAPPY
            D. THEIR HOMES ARE FREE OF FEAR
            E. ALL THEIR BUSINESS PROSPERS
            F. THEY DIE IN PEACE

2. WE DO NOT KNOW THE WHOLE STORY

            A. WE DO NOT SEE THE MISERY IN THEIR HOME
            B. RELATIONSHIPS
            C. THE GREED, WORRY, SELFISHNESS AND BROKENNESS
3.  HOW CAN WE LIVE
            A.  OUR SITUATION HELPS GOD.  22:2-3
            B. EVERY BRANCH THAT BEARS FRUIT… JOHN 15:2
            C. BUILDS OUR FAITH JAMES 1:2-4
            D. GOD WANTS NONE TO PERISH NOR IS HE SLOW 2 PETER 3:9
            E. GOD CAUSES THE RAIN TO FALL ON THE JUST AND UNJUST MATTHEW 5:43-48
            F. YOUR TRUE WEALTH IS IN HEAVEN. 2 COR 4:16-18
            G. AL RIFFLE “IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL”

 CONCLUSION:             We all go through times when we feel like Job, and we all respond differently, but all we search for answers let us take some time and allow God to bring us back to the knowledge that how we react to suffering is important the God and the world.  Let us remember our treasure is n heaven.  Let our heart sing, “It Is Well With My Soul”