Why do bad things continue to happen to good people. I work hard and have a degree, yet I don't lie, sleep with my bosses go out drinking on Friday with the girls and I am always looked over for jobs and never get a raise. I make $19,000 a year with a Master's degree. I am made fun of at work, harassed, discriminated and retaliated against. Wher is God in all this? Does he have a plan for my life like I have always thought he did? I am attractive, smart, and dedicated, but sometimes I wonder for what, to be let down again? My faith is getting weaker and weaker, where is God and does he even listen to my prayers. Do even matter?

-- Anonymous, February 12, 2003

Answers

Ms. Handy: Your frustations are understandable but not unique. The Psalmist said it best, "Why do the Heathen rage and the people imagine a vain thing?" The Book of Job addresses the fundamental issues about disappointment, loss and rejection. Like Job, we often raise the specter of doubt when the "spiritual model" is not working to our liking, i.e. obendience = preferential treatment. Since the core of your frustation appear to revolve around economic and social inequities, let me offer a few suggestions. First, if you are geographically mobile, consider relocating to an area of the country where your skills may be greater demand. Second, retool, retool, retool. Your credentials may not be the right match for the changing needs in the new economy. It is never too late to start a new career with new credentials. Third, if you have been the victim of discrimination and unprofessional conduct, document everything and present all of the evidence to the appropriate officials. All employees are protected under the rights of due process. Finally, as the late great Gospel singer/evangelist declared......"This to Shall Pass". QED

-- Anonymous, February 12, 2003

1 Corinthians 2:9 always helps me when I feel this way. “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”£

And God told the prophet Habbakuk, "The justified ones shall live by thier faith."

Be Blessed Pastor Paris

-- Anonymous, February 13, 2003

Sister Handy,

First, know that God never forsakes us. He knew this day would come. Look at Job. Satan took everything he had, but God repaid him triple. She saved her entire race. Look at Ruth. She lost her husband, but God gave her another one (The great-great-so on and so on grandfather of Jesus). Consider the lilies of the field and the sparrow. God cares about them , and they aren't going to Heaven. You are. Think about how much more he cares for you.

Second, God may be using you for a purpose he has yet to reveal. Woe to those who harm his annointed. You keep being the might woman of God that he has called you to be, and you will be rewarded. Finally, you know that you have legal recourses against the harrassment and discrimination, right?

We will be praying for you. In the meantime, what state do you work in and in what field? Let's see if we can get you more money :)

-- Anonymous, February 19, 2003

Sister Handy,

God may be telling you that it is time to move from your current employer to a position that will glorify Him and pay you a larger salary. Log onto one of those job search websites and look for another job that you can apply your skills and Masters degree components to. Notice that I said "components"; just because your degree is in a particular field of study doesn't mean that you can't use what you learned in your courses in another line of work. You may be surprised to learn that relocating to another area could significantly increase your income.

By the way, what are your degrees in, and what is your job title at your present job? Is this the same job that you held before your acquired your Masters? What state do you live in? Are you in a rural area or a metropolitan area? Is this the appropriate salary for your job description, i.e. is this about what everyone else in your field and job description makes in your area?

Also, check your tithing. God promised to protect you and provide for you when you tithe.

And, you have to be realistic. God does tend to nudge us sometimes when we are operating beneath our calling or ability. Sometimes He gives us a square KICK IN THE BUTT.

(If all else fails, the insurance business is still paying pretty well.)

Sincerely,

-- Anonymous, February 25, 2003

Ms Handy,

Below is an illustration, which I just received in e-mail and I thought of you.

Also some years ago I read a book by a Harold S. Kushner, a Jewish Rabbi based on the Book of Job. It is entitledWhen Bad Things Happen to Good People.

This proved to be an inspiration for me at the time I needed it most. The link above is a summary but you may also choose to read the book.

God has not forgotten you. Be encouraged and be blessed.

Subject: A PIECE OF CAKE !!!!!

Sometimes we wonder, "What did I do to deserve this", or "Why did God have to do this to me". Here is a wonderful explanation!

A daughter is telling her Mother how everything is going wrong, she's failing algebra, her boyfriend broke up with her and her best friend is moving away.

Meanwhile, her Mother is baking a cake and asks her daughter if she would like a snack, and the daughter says, "Absolutely Mom, I love your cake."

"Here, have some cooking oil," her Mother offers.

"Yuck" says her daughter.

"How about a couple raw eggs?"

"Gross, Mom!"

"Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?"

"Mom, those are all yucky!"

To which the mother replies: "Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake! God works the same way. Many times we wonder why He would let us go through such bad and difficult times. But God knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for good! We just have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all make something wonderful! "

God is crazy about you. He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning. Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen. He can live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart. I hope your day is a "piece of cake!"

-- Anonymous, February 25, 2003