I ran across this great quote from Chrysostom on God’s sovereignty in affliction. These are his comments on Job 2:10: “Shall we receive good at the hand of God, and not receive evil?” (Geneva Bible). It’s worth reading a few times!
This text means that if we actually experienced only misfortunes, we would still need to bear them. God is Master and Lord. Does he not possess the power to send us anything? Why did God provide us with our goods? He did not do so because we deserved them. God was absolutely free to send us only afflictions. If he has also granted us goods, why do we complain? Notice how [Job] does not speak anywhere about faults or good actions but only says that God has the power to do whatever he wants. Recall your former happiness, and you will have no problem in bearing the present difficulties. It is sufficient, as our consolation, to know that it is the Lord who sends them to us. Let us not speak about justice and injustice.
Shane Lems
Hammond, WI, 54015
The Reformed Reader Blog 