I read the story of Job yesterday. If anyone had a reason to lose his temper and his patience, it was Job. Bless his heart. He suffered a lot. At the beginning of the story, he had it all : a righteous walk with God, a wife, seven sons, three daughters, 7000 sheep, 3000 camels, 500 oxen, 500 donkeys, many servants and a good reputation. It almost seemed like things couldn't get any better, and they didn't for awhile.
Satan stepped in and has a talk with God. Satan wants to test this righteous man of God to see if he will break under the pressure of trials and tribulation. God allows it with one stipulation, do not harm or kill Job, So Satan agrees and sends one thing after another upon Job's family. First all the animals are killed and most of the servants. Then, all of Job's children are wiped out when a roof collapses during a party. Job's grieves greatly, but still turns to God for comfort and answers.
Satan returns to God and ask for permission to bring trial upon Job's health and body. Would Job curse God then? God allows it and Job is stricken with painful sores and boils from the bottoms of his feet to the top of his head. Even after all of this, Job still turns to God for comfort and answers. No matter what, he never turned away from God. After all was said and done, the Lord rewarded Job with twice as much as he had before concerning his animals and possessions. He and his wife bore seven more sons and three more daughters. Job lived more than 140 years on this earth. He sustained much, remained patient and faithful to God and was rewarded immensely and was probably a huge influence on everyone who met him. To God be the glory.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 (NIV)
Last week, I finished reading the book, ” Some Wildflower in My Heart,” by Jamie Langston Turner. The story was amazing. The basic point of the whole book was to show readers how God can place key people in one's life to get His points across. The two main characters: Birdie and Margret, both had their share of trials, tribulation and heartbreak in life. Margret chose to shut God out of her life as much as possible. How could God possibly allow her to suffer so much? Birdie, on the other hand, chose to embrace the message of God's love and share that love with anyone and everyone she came in contact with. She had every right to be angry at God for causing her pain, suffering and affliction, but instead chose to seize the opportunity to minister to more people as possible. Why? There's always someone out there suffering. God allows suffering so that we might grow stronger from it and thus become even more equipped to share His love and give Him the glory. In the end love never fails and the love Birdie expressed to Margret for the glory of God won out in the end and Margret turned her heart back toward God and began making peace with her past.
God used characters like Job and Birdie in special ways to share His message of love with others and he can use you too if you allow Him to do so.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4 (NIV)
God has a purpose and plan for everything, (Jeremiah 29:11-14)
“being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6 (NIV)
Stay strong in your faith even in times of trial and tribulation.
“Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.” Romans 12:12 (NIV)
Seize every event as an opportunity to grow stronger in your walk with the Lord and share His love with others. To God be the glory.
“I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.” Psalm 121:1-2 (NIV)
Be First to Comment