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TODAY’S WORD…

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Job said,

“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,

and naked I will depart.

The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away;

may the name of the Lord be praised.”

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– Job 1:21 (NIV)

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REFLECTION…

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Job has just experienced complete deprivation,

and these few words that he utters succinctly, yet expressively and submissively,

describe the human condition – its fragility and impotence.

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He has only just been told that he has lost his children, servants and possessions

yet he remains fully conscious of the absolute sovereignty of God,

who alone has power to give and to take away

…and Job fully accepts the will of God.

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God has placed Job’s story in Scripture for good reason

– He wishes us to see and handle our afflictions as Job does.

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Above all, God’s is a message of encouragement and reassurance.

As a result of his acceptance of God’s will

Job learned something new when he suffered his great troubles,

he learned that it is more important to serve God than anything else.

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In the end,

and in the context of Job’s love and compassion for his friends, who he prayed for in spite of his own misfortune,

God restored Job’s blessings.

Job’s “happy” ending is a blessed ending.

It is an act of divine grace; not profit, but a gift.

It is a foretaste of the joy that awaits those who believe and accept God’s will.

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What did God find in Job?

He found a person who did not turn from true wisdom,

who continued to fear and turn away from evil.

Job maintained his integrity.

Though he lamented – often bitterly – he nevertheless trusted His Maker.

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Job is every person and every person is Job.

Will we persevere in faith even when the circumstances are tragic?

Will Jesus find us living in faith when He returns?

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We should not let our troubles and apparent misfortunes divert us from our faith.

If in all our troubles and heartbreaks we look to the Lord,

He will support us, and we will come out stronger.

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REPETITIVE PRAYER FOR TODAY…

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My Lord God, who am I to question You and Your wisdom?

In every need, let me come to You with humble trust saying, "Jesus help me!"

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