WHO IS RESPONSIBLE? | When God Allows the Trial
Seventh Day Church of God (Reformed) Inc. | Bible Study
When tragedy strikes, who do we blame?
When sickness, hardship, or unexpected trials come, is it the devil, our circumstances, other people—or is there something deeper that Scripture wants us to understand?
In this powerful Bible study, Deputy Overseer Pastor Gershom Baxter, hosted by Pastor Gary Campbell, explores the question:
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE?
Through the stories of Joseph, Job, Naomi, Israel’s captivity, and Jesus before Pilate, we examine what the Bible teaches about God’s sovereignty in the midst of trials and suffering.
Although Nebuchadnezzar conquered Jerusalem and carried Israel into captivity, Scripture reveals God’s sovereignty behind the event:
“…whom I have caused to be carried away…” — Jeremiah 29:4
Joseph was betrayed, sold into slavery, falsely accused, and imprisoned. Yet he later told his brothers:
“It was not you that sent me hither, but God.” — Genesis 45:8
Satan was permitted to afflict Job, yet Job declared:
“The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away…” — Job 1:21
At the end of his trial, Scripture again points to God’s ultimate authority over what had happened.
After losing her husband and sons, Naomi returned to Bethlehem bitter and empty. Yet God used her difficult circumstances to bring about a much greater purpose through Ruth.
When Pilate claimed authority over Jesus, Christ answered:
“Thou couldest have no power at all against me, except it were given thee from above.” — John 19:11
When a dog is barking at you from behind a fence, you don’t negotiate with the dog—you deal with the owner who holds the leash.
Likewise, when trials or the adversary come against us, we must remember who ultimately has control.
Look beyond the circumstance and look to God.
Satan can make sinful shortcuts, worldly pleasures, and quick rewards appear attractive. God’s path may involve temporary suffering and pruning, but He uses these experiences to develop our character.
Sometimes God seems silent when we pray. But silence does not mean absence.
Like a teacher silently observing students during an examination, God may allow us to be tested while remaining fully present.
Joseph didn’t understand God’s plan in the pit.
Job didn’t understand God’s plan in his suffering.
Naomi didn’t understand God’s plan in her grief.
Yet God was working through every situation.
What looks like chaos to us is never outside God’s sovereignty.
The question isn’t always:
“Why is this happening to me?”
Sometimes we should ask:
“What is God accomplishing through this?”
Jeremiah 29:1–4
Genesis 45:1–8
Job 1:20–21; 42:10–11
Ruth 1:20–21
John 19:10–11
Psalm 66:18
When you face a difficult trial, who or what do you instinctively blame?
Are you focused on the circumstance, or are you looking to the God who remains sovereign over it?
Share your thoughts in the comments. 👇
If you’re going through a difficult season, remember:
You may not understand what God is doing, but His sovereignty has not changed.
Share this Bible study with someone who is going through a storm and needs this reminder.
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📖 BIBLICAL ACCOUNTS EXPLORED🏛️ THE BABYLONIAN CAPTIVITY👨👦 JOSEPH🧔 JOB👩 NAOMI✝️ JESUS BEFORE PILATE🔑 MAJOR SPIRITUAL LESSONS🐕 DEAL WITH THE OWNER, NOT THE DOG⚠️ RECOGNIZE THE ADVERSARY’S BAIT🤫 GOD IS IN THE SILENCE🙏 THE BIGGER LESSON📖 KEY SCRIPTURES💭 REFLECTION QUESTION🕊️ GOD IS STILL ON THE SCENE🌎 CONNECT WITH US
