Answers

By   •   October 26, 2010   •   Topics: , ,

Q:

I was supposed to retire by now, but my retirement account has taken a real hit in the last couple of years and now I'm going to have to keep working. I admit I'm angry, and I don't understand why God let it happen. What do you think?


A:

I’m sure many readers can identify with you, because the recent economic upheavals have brought disruption and hardship to countless families. More than ever, we need to heed the Bible’s command to pray for our leaders, because only God can give them the wisdom they need (see 1 Timothy 2:1-3).

We don’t always know why God allows things like this to come into our lives. But let me assure you of two truths: He knows what you’re going through, and He loves you and wants to help you deal with it. That doesn’t mean all your problems will vanish if you turn to Him; they probably won’t. But it does mean God will help you adjust to your situation, and give you wisdom about the future.

This is why I urge you to turn to Christ and commit your disappointments — and your whole life — to Him. The Bible says, “Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall” (Psalm 55:22). Don’t let anger consume you, but ask Him to help you accept what has happened — and even see His hand in it. God often brings good out of our disappointments, and He can do it for you.

In the meantime, be thankful for your job, and ask God to help you keep doing it faithfully. The Bible says, “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men” (Colossians 3:23).