Inscrutable Ways of God

(A rich man named John was living with his family in a village. He was a very happy man with a lovely family. He had everything that one needs for a happy life - 200 acres of land, 300 sheep, sons, daughters, and grandchildren. John was neither proud nor exploiting in nature. He was a very humble, honest, pious and righteous man.)

(One day, God decides to test John and terrible misery falls upon him.) 

John : My riches are gone and so are my cattle and children. I'm all alone in this world. Oh God, why would you do this to me? I have been devoted to you throughout my life. I've never hurt or deceived anyone and have led a pious life, praising you. What have I done to deserve this fate? Tell me, God! I want to know. 

(God sent three of his apostles from above to assuage John's feelings.) 

Eliphaz (apostle - 1) : Calm down, John. Don't get carried away by your emotions. You, as a human, are destined to suffer, time and again. This is God's way to test you. 

John : But, I haven't done anything wrong to suffer this fate. Why did God do this to me? 

Bildad (apostle - 2) : You have not done anything wrong, John, but it is your destiny which is predefined. 

John : Well then, I'm sure now there is no God. If he were true, he would never let me suffer this fate. 

Mildred (apostle - 3) : God is true, dear one. He only sent us to console you. He loves you, but he cannot change your destiny. 

John : He doesn't love me. He doesn't exist. I didn't do anything to go through such misery. 

(The apostles tried to console John, and restore his faith in God, but in vain. Finally, God himself had to come to John.) 

God : My child, stop weeping. 

John : Oh, Almighty! Why did you make me suffer even though I was absolutely pious and righteous? 

God : My dear child, suffering is inevitable for human beings. 

John : But, why? What wrong had I done?

God : You have not done anything wrong. But, as a human, your knowledge and comprehension is limited. You cannot understand my creation. Human mind cannot think beyond a specific level, and so is imperfect and inadequate. I can only say that it's your fate and the mystery of my creation. 

John : But, why me? There are many dishonest people who are leading happy lives. And, you took away everything from me! 

God : My dear child, what would I do of your riches, your wealth? This is how God's creation works. You shouldn't question the ways of God. This is beyond your knowledge. As a human being, you are to suffer; suffering disciplines you and strengthens your faith in me. Suffering is inevitable, my child, and no one can avoid it, not even my dearest children.

(Saying so, God disappeared.)

John : I still can't understand why I'm suffering. But if this is God's way, let it be. I'll happily accept it. 

(John returned to his house. There he found his whole family alive. God has returned his family, wealth, and everything taken away from him. There was no end to the happiness of John. He couldn't thank God enough. John always remained devoted to God and led a pious and righteous life as before.)