Life is full of surprises, and sometimes, those surprises come in the form of challenges and struggles. As Christians, it’s essential to recognize that these tough times are part of God’s plan for our lives and can ultimately bring us closer to Him.
Unhappy business, as referred to in Ecclesiastes 1:13, is an inevitable part of life. When we face these challenges, we may feel disillusioned, overwhelmed, or even bitter. However, it’s crucial to remember that God is the giver of every painful and perplexing experience. Embracing this truth can help us shift our focus from bitterness toward others to a more humble acceptance of our circumstances.
Understanding that God is the source of our trials can transform our perspective. We can trust that He is good, will never abandon us, and promises to help and comfort us in our troubles (Psalm 46:1, 2 Corinthians 1:3-4). Furthermore, He will ensure that our unhappy business works together for our good (Romans 8:28).
It’s natural to want to understand why God allows these challenges in our lives. However, Ecclesiastes 3:11 reminds us that while we may have the desire to know, we are often unable to comprehend His divine plan fully. Instead of becoming frustrated by our lack of understanding, we should focus on trusting God and His goodness.
Our trust should not be conditional on the outcome of our challenges. Rather, we should place our hope in God alone. Misplaced hope can lead to misery, whereas confidence in God brings stability and delight in the midst of life’s unhappy business.
Take inspiration from Sarah and other “holy women who hoped in God” (1 Peter 3:5). These women faced their fair share of trials but were not surprised by them. They trusted in God’s sovereign goodness even when life didn’t make sense and placed their hope in Him alone.
By God’s grace, we can navigate life’s unhappy business with unwavering faith and trust in His divine plan. When we embrace the reality that God is the giver of our trials, we can find peace and joy in the midst of the storm.
