Although there are many speculations about why God lets bad things happen to good people, as in the case with Job, no one really knows for sure. In Deborah's case, she was very health conscious and had no family history of cancer. However on one chat over coffee with Ron, Denver predicted that something terrible would happen to her. While talking to Ron about his wife's essential ministry to the homeless, Denver solemnly pronounced, "The work Miss Debbie is doin at the mission is very important. She is becomin precious to God. When you is precious to God, you become important to Satan. Watch your back, Mr. Ron. Somethin bad gettin ready to happen to Miss Debbie. The thief comes in the night." Just three weeks later, doctors diagnosed Deborah with colon cancer.
The life God calls us to is NOT easy. The more actions we take to do God's will, the more Satan targets us. Whether our calling is to serve the homeless or just live a righteous and blameless life like Job, our calling comes pros and cons. Christians must make the choice: "Would I rather follow God at all cost or avoid Satan's increased focus by taking the easy life? Do the pros outweigh the cons?" The answer is YES! Romans 8:31-32 says, "What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?" Even in the face of Satan's fury, God stands by all of his followers, not allowing more than each one can handle. In the midst of trials, God still orchestrates something good. In Job's case, God blessed Job with double of everything he possessed. With Deborah, the non-religious homeless, with whom she had been serving, turned to God in prayer for Deborah. Denver became immensely invaluable to the Halls by prayer and God's word through him. Most of all, the cancer instigated a gratitude in the Halls for even the smallest blessing; simple things like "We woke up!" gave them joy. Their example calls us to live in the present, to follow God's will for us day-by-day, and to leave all the consequences to Him.
Below is a video of a strong Christian diagnosed with colon cancer and who has found that God created something good come out of the bad:
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