Monday, September 12, 2016
I know I harp on this theme constantly, perhaps even to the point of boring some of you, but I’m doing it again today nevertheless. Yes, the world may be presently experiencing the most dangerous times on record but this truth remains: People have always gone through trials at one point or another in their lives and it will continue being that way until the end comes. And since this is true, it is very possible that one, two, three, or more of you are going through such a period in your life even as you read today’s blog. It is just a fact of life.
The book of Job is one of the oldest in the Bible, probably written at least a thousand years before Jesus was born, but even way back then he was quoted as saying: “Man that is born of a woman is of few days and full of trouble.” (Job 14:1) If anyone knew what it was to suffer through extremely difficult trials in this life, it was Job. Yet, regardless of the seemingly unbearable events he experienced, God never left him and his trials eventually came to an end. Not only that, God rewarded him for his faith and patience and in the end he was blessed as very few have been blessed. That is why James wrote much later: “God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”(James 1:12, New Living Translation)
So if you are in the midst of a storm in your life, let Job’s experience be your model. Keep in mind the chain of events in his life. It will be the same with you. The trial will appear. Then, because you are human, you will begin to look for answers. Your faith, trust, and patience will then be put to the test and if you endure and stand firm, your faith will be richly rewarded. Why? Because all of life’s storms come to an end and because the One who is watching over you is faithful. Keep on going, don’t give up! I’m so sure you’ll soon get the victory that I ask you to join me right now, even before we see it, in thanking and praising God for it.
God’s promise for today: (Psalm 34:4) “I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears.”
