I met a man who was diagnosed with a severe condition. His business also suffered a drawback because of his failing health. He was worried about meeting his family’s needs, including the education of his two children, who were both in college at that time.  He was stressed, and there were several nights that he could not sleep, trying to figure something out.  After some time, he realized that worrying does not help.  He turned completely to God. He said I don’t see a logical answer; I don’t see a solution. I am going to quit trying to figure things out. God, I’m turning my problems over to you.  Instead of worrying, he just did what he could do and brought her family back to the faith and to the church. After some time, good news started to come to them. His children were able to secure a scholarship to continue their studies. Then, his relationship with his wife has become closer.  There was so much love in his home.  This happened eight years ago, and today, the two daughters are both professionals. He now has three grandchildren, and his health continues to improve.

In life, God is going to do supernatural ways; we are going to see the exceeding greatness of his favor, something that we were not expecting. Trust!

In our first reading, we heard Job lamenting to God about his sufferings.

There is no way to adequately describe the pain and suffering that Job undergoes, just as there is probably no way for any one of us to describe our sufferings.

There is an important reason why the Book of Job is in the Bible: because the faithful acknowledge that suffering does exist. No one is excused from pain and suffering in this world. A married couple told me that there are three rings in marriage: engagement ring, wedding ring, and suffe-ring!

I want to note the similarity of Job and Jesus in this regard. They both suffer and encounter spiritual challenges but stay in a relationship with God.

It is not necessary to find an answer to our sufferings; what is necessary is we find God. Today, Jesus encounters a sick woman and her frightened family.

The people in this story are not asking: “God, why is this happening?” But instead, “God, see what is happening. Can you help?” Jesus came and healed the sick.

There are times that we overthink and look for answers. As a result, we become more anxious about what is happening around us.  This can hold us back from the life meant to be truly lived.

We may have some things we may not understand in life, and we don’t see the answer—that’s ok. We do not have to see or to know the answer.  Don’t get discouraged; God is working behind the scenes.

Trust even though we do not understand. Be comfortable not knowing.  

If we can’t figure out why we suffer or why things are happening in our lives the way they are, God does not want us to figure things out right now. We can analyze the situation and worry for a year, but nothing will change. It’s much better to say, Lord, I don’t have the answer, but I’m OK because I know you have the answer, and you will reveal it to me in your time.

Illnesses, bankruptcy, and tragedies do not come from God, pains, or relationship problems. Our misfortunes are not caused by God’s hand. But God’s hand is in each situation, ready to help us.

In everything, God is present, ready to make new things happen.