Trials of Faith 06.22.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Sunday June 22, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Job. Please read Chapters 21-24 in your Bible or Click Here to read.
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Today we will read and learn about Job declaring that wicked men sometimes prosper; Eliphaz accusing Job of sin; and Job's desire to plead his case before God. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that we can either allow trials to bring us closer to God or to drive us away from Him. Being faithful to God and His Word will bring us through with victory.

It is shocking to read how wrong Job's friends could be with their blunt, critical, and cruel condemnation of him. They mistakenly supposed that all his problems were the result of his secret sins. They assumed that wicked men are miserable and, since Job was exceedingly miserable, he must be very wicked! As Job responds, the question arises: Why do the wicked prosper and go unpunished? "Suffer me that I may speak; and after that I have spoken, mock on. As for me, is my complaint to man? and if it were so, why should not my spirit be troubled? Mark me, and be astonished, and lay your hand upon your mouth. Even when I remember I am afraid, and trembling taketh hold on my flesh. Wherefore do the wicked live, become old, yea, are mighty in power?" (Job 21:3-7).

Eliphaz speaks for the 3rd time, making Job sound like a liar, "Therefore snares are round about thee, and sudden fear troubleth thee; Or darkness, that thou canst not see; and abundance of waters cover thee. Is not God in the height of heaven? and behold the height of the stars, how high they are! And thou sayest, How doth God know? can he judge through the dark cloud? Thick clouds are a covering to him, that he seeth not; and he walketh in the circuit of heaven." (22:10-14). There are still self-righteous, overbearing, opinionated people like Eliphaz, who are quick to pass judgment on anyone who doesn't believe as they do or who experience difficulties or sickness.

Job's faith was unshakable because he could truthfully say, "On the left hand, where he doth work, but I cannot behold him: he hideth himself on the right hand, that I cannot see him: But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold. My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined. Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food." (23:9-12). He believed that, since God was faithful to His Word, He also would be faithful to His obedient servant. It is as if Job had said: "In the midst of my suffering and sorrows, in faith I turned to and trust whatever God chooses for me. So great was my need for assurance, I seized upon it as a starving man for a meal. I devoured it and indeed my soul was comforted and I was strengthened. I turned from the husks of comfort that my friends offered and can testify that only faith in God and His Word will satisfy."

We often do not understand why we face disappointments, sufferings, or being misunderstood. But, we can believe and trust in God, since He always gives His best to all who desire to do His will.

Some have assumed they were a Christian because they were a member of a church, but they have not experienced the transforming power of God's Word. Like Judas, they may talk like a Christian and yet they do not desire Christ as Lord of their lives. To have a Bible but no desire to know how God would have them live is useless. Until they repent of their sins and accept Christ as both Savior and Lord, the Bible has little value.

The faith of Job should be an inspiration to all of us who are not as concerned about knowing the "reason" for our suffering as with knowing God, who will see us through it, and His Word, the only true source of guidance.   In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed through Job's faithfulness to God during all his suffering (Job 23:10-12). Christ's faithfulness to the Father is seen as He prayed for the Father's will to be done (Luke 22:42).  

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
We're so thankful that we don't have to step out on our own and rely on our connections, wisdom, giftings, or experience to receive Your blessings.  Whatever challenge we face can be met by remembering Your promise that You will never leave us nor forsake us. Lord, help us to remain faithful to You no matter what trial we are faced with. Remind us that it is through these trials that we will prevail and see victory and many blessings by putting our complete trust and faith in You. In Jesus' name......Amen.  

Enjoy the rest of your day.
God Bless,
Christina
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