The Book of Job
Waking up this morning I was more tired than usual having put in a full week.
Wanting to absorb a little time with the Lord in spite of my tiredness, I opened my Bible.
My reading has been in the book of Job, and lately I’ve received a new heart for this book.
In the past I struggled to understand the meaning and purpose behind this story.
It seemed like a lot of back and forth dialogue between Job and his friends that didn’t mount to anything.
But upon a deeper look, this is not the case.
Poor Job Suffered So Much
First off, Job faced one catastrophe after another.
He was in despair, and now boils covered his whole body.
His friends came to comfort him.
But upon seeing him, didn't even recognize him because of the disfigurement of the boils.
Job's grief was great.
Yes, dialogue did occur between Job and his friends.
But not the sort of dialogue that brought comfort.
His friends were suggesting he had sinned somehow, and that is why he was facing such horrible circumstances.
Had Job sinned?
Job's Friends Accuse Him of Sinning
No, this wasn't the case, quite the opposite in fact.
Job confessed to his friends that he had not sinned.
He is confused as to why such things had come upon him.
He even wished he were dead.
Why did Job wish he were dead?
Because of the severity of his grief and circumstances.
He was also confused over the mere fact that he was a faithful servant to God, yet others sinned and didn't face any punishment.
If Job was a faithful servant to God, then why was he getting tried?
Satan Tries Job with Severe Trials
Job was getting tried because Satan wanted to bait him into sinning.
He claimed God had sheltered him from difficulties and that is why Job was serving him so faithfully.
God removed his protection from Job for a while so Satan could afflict him; to test him.
Job’s friends thought his present afflictions were from sinning because they were looking at Job’s situation through their own eyes.
How easy it is for us to set our eyes on circumstances and not get God’s perspective in the matter.
How easy it is to judge others and what they are going through.
Just like Job's friends did.
Difficulties in Life Test Our Hearts
Sometimes God allows difficulties in our lives to try us, like Job.
Thankfully, it isn’t on the same level as Job was tried.
Often, our trying times take a toll on us and we show a bit of our human side.
Irritated and confused we go about our days wondering why such a thing could happen to us.
But He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I will come forth as gold. (Job 23:10)
Job understood God’s ways and knew he was being tried.
He also knew the trying times would produce in him something rare.
Something as rare as gold.
Hold Steady During Tough Times
May we learn to reach out to our Lord in our times of need.
He is our High Priest who has passed from this earth into the heavens and knows exactly what we face as humans.
The Lord may have brought along a trying time in our life, not only to test us, but for us to turn to Him in our time of need.
Holding steady in our trying times and looking unto Jesus for our strength is our only hope.
We do not want to lose our faith.
We do not want to sin while we are being tried.
Jesus the Son of God was tempted in every way while on this earth and yet, did not sin. (Hebrews 4:15)
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy, and find grace to help in our time of need. (Hebrews 4:16)
Let Your Light Shine Before Men
Why do we want to find grace in our hour of need?
So we may shine.
How pleased is our Lord when He sees us walking in His grace, shining with acceptance.
We shine when we are filled with His spirit of understanding.
Walking with confidence because we know He not only has His hand on us, trying us, but He is also helping us walk through the impossible.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)
Grace enables us to do good works, and then we shine, bringing glory to our Father.
Job's life turned around after He saw the awesomeness of God.
After he acknowledged God as Sovereign in all things.
The Lord restored unto Job all that he had lost.
Giving him a double blessing.
Job's trying time caused him to come forth as gold.
And he shined.
"Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works", which is the walking out of your faith through grace. (Matthew 5:16)
"..and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
This is our testimony.
We do all for the glory of our Father.
So let us shine today, that others might see and take notice of our good works...
"..and give glory to our Father who is in heaven".
Find inspiration and encouragement with our ANOINTED DAILY PRAYERS for your walk with the Lord.
Let's Pray Together
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for grace that gives us ability to walk carefully before men, especially when we need to protect Your testimony in our life. May we be very careful to protect Your good name and never let it be associated with any negativity.
Give us power to overcome a complaining spirit, and instead, may we rejoice in all that You have done, and in all that You are.
May we be thankful in all circumstances, and may this thankful heart of ours shine with an attitude of acceptance for all things.
Bless us now with Your approval and blessing upon our life. Continue to lead and guide us with Your Holy Word.
Thank you for drawing us unto You. Please lead us in the way everlasting.
In Your Precious Name, Amen
Many Blessings to you!!
Angie
The Founder
of My Sun & Shade Ministries
An online ministry outreach to Christian women, children, and families.
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