September 19
Then Satan answered the Lord, “Does Job fear God for nothing . . .” . . . In all
this Job did not sin or charge God with any wrongdoing. Job 1:9-22
Haven’t we all felt like Job at one time or another? Although there are few of us, thankfully, who have experienced the total sense of loss that Job endured, we all have our losses to contend with, and how overwhelmed we can be in our efforts to cope with them.
No matter what came his way, Job kept his faith; never lost his gratitude to God for all the good God had gifted him with. Even when well-meaning “friends” accused him of some assumed wrongdoing against God causing all his misfortune, and told him so, this innocent, good man remained strong and sure his God was with him still.
And haven’t we all been Job’s “friends” at one time or another? Secretly thankful we are not enduring what our neighbor is. And certain they must be doing something wrong, for things to befall them in such a way! Maybe if they practiced their religion more, worked harder, or were better spouses or parents, or children, these things would not be happening to them! Maybe if they took better care of themselves or their finances, if they weren’t so lazy or selfish, and on and on we go, they wouldn’t be suffering so! We have all in our hearts been there. For if we justify what happens to our neighbor, perhaps it won’t happen to us! After all, by doing all the “right” things, can’t we be certain to avoid any difficulty or ruin?
I try to keep in mind that God allowed Satan to test Job, for He knew Job’s faith. He knew Job’s heart. Job is an example to all of us. We too are tested. Satan may be stalking this earth, but our faith in God is stronger. God, will keep us safe and hold us in His arms, giving us all the strength we need to endure whatever comes our way.
From the time we are little, slowly we are learning to accept that life as it progresses, means giving up many things, and that “letting go,” escalates to everything we have physically known, as our lives near the end. But it seems we are given in return at each moment, something more needed. What greater gift than eternal life, could be given to us? How good is our God!
Holy God! Stay with us in our trials! Hold our hands and keep us close until we come to You! Abba! Father! We are yours!
Copyright© 2014 Kathleen A. Matson
Then Satan answered the Lord, “Does Job fear God for nothing . . .” . . . In all
this Job did not sin or charge God with any wrongdoing. Job 1:9-22
Haven’t we all felt like Job at one time or another? Although there are few of us, thankfully, who have experienced the total sense of loss that Job endured, we all have our losses to contend with, and how overwhelmed we can be in our efforts to cope with them.
No matter what came his way, Job kept his faith; never lost his gratitude to God for all the good God had gifted him with. Even when well-meaning “friends” accused him of some assumed wrongdoing against God causing all his misfortune, and told him so, this innocent, good man remained strong and sure his God was with him still.
And haven’t we all been Job’s “friends” at one time or another? Secretly thankful we are not enduring what our neighbor is. And certain they must be doing something wrong, for things to befall them in such a way! Maybe if they practiced their religion more, worked harder, or were better spouses or parents, or children, these things would not be happening to them! Maybe if they took better care of themselves or their finances, if they weren’t so lazy or selfish, and on and on we go, they wouldn’t be suffering so! We have all in our hearts been there. For if we justify what happens to our neighbor, perhaps it won’t happen to us! After all, by doing all the “right” things, can’t we be certain to avoid any difficulty or ruin?
I try to keep in mind that God allowed Satan to test Job, for He knew Job’s faith. He knew Job’s heart. Job is an example to all of us. We too are tested. Satan may be stalking this earth, but our faith in God is stronger. God, will keep us safe and hold us in His arms, giving us all the strength we need to endure whatever comes our way.
From the time we are little, slowly we are learning to accept that life as it progresses, means giving up many things, and that “letting go,” escalates to everything we have physically known, as our lives near the end. But it seems we are given in return at each moment, something more needed. What greater gift than eternal life, could be given to us? How good is our God!
Holy God! Stay with us in our trials! Hold our hands and keep us close until we come to You! Abba! Father! We are yours!
Copyright© 2014 Kathleen A. Matson