God's In Control 06.20.08
Hello My Friend/Guest,
It is Friday June 20, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Job. Please read Chapters 13-16 in your Bible or Click Here to read. Cut & paste to your browser: biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Job%2013-16&version=9
Today we will read and learn about Job defending his integrity, his desire to die, Eliphaz' intensified condemnation, and Job's second reply to Eliphaz. Today's message focuses on the importance of realizing that our lives are in God's control. In the middle of our worst trials, we must not lose sight of the fact that this life is not all there is. For a Christian, there is eternity in Heaven.
Satan prompted the attacks on Job by his wife and by his devoted friends in an attempt to substantiate his own accusation that Job would curse God if his many blessings were removed.
Job's suffering intensified with days and weeks of sleeplessness and painful, ulcerating boils that would only become more intense since he had no painkillers. It may appear that he wavered at times, but Job always ended his comments on a high note of praise. The boldness of Job's faith and faithfulness brought new revelation of his relationship with God. It was the turning point in the conflict between God and Satan when Job said, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him. He also shall be my salvation: for an hypocrite shall not come before him. Hear diligently my speech, and my declaration with your ears. Behold now, I have ordered my cause; I know that I shall be justified." (Job 13:15-18). When we realize that our lives are in His control, we will trust ourselves unreservedly into His hands that He might fully accomplish His purpose in us. Amazing as it may seem to Job's friends, and Satan, Job had the utmost confidence that when he died, he would live again and be changed.
Although Job gave up hope of recovering his health, wealth, children, or high esteem among the people, he did not become bitter or resentful toward his accusers or toward God. Instead, he looked forward to being with the Lord, "If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come." (14:14). Meaning:, after death, I shall live again and I will be changed.
How different Job's attitude was from many today who blame fate, circumstances, God, or others for what goes wrong in their lives. Some easily become dissatisfied, bitter, pessimistic, or engulfed in self-pity. Their self-image depends on others' reactions. When others praise them, their self-esteem rises; when they are criticized or their plans fail, they feel defeated. Job didn't need praise from people to maintain his faith since he retained his confidence in the wisdom and justice of his Creator.
Like Job, every child of God will face trials and suffering, but, as we trust God in the midst of those trials, our faith and love for Him are deepened. In conforming to Christ's death, we come to an end of self, a giving up ourselves to live or die for Him. "For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it." (Matthew 16:25).
In today's reading Jesus Christ is revealed through the smiting of Job on the cheek (Job 16:10). Christ also was struck by those who ridiculed Him (Matthew 27:29-44; John 18:22-23)
Today's Prayer:
The great blessing in trusting You is the confidence we walk in as we look to You for everything that we have need of. When facing struggles, instead of cringing in fear we walk in confident faith because it is not in ourselves that we trust but in the Living God who is trustworthy in all areas of our lives. Lord, give us the grace to trust You even more and to walk in peace knowing that You are near and in control. In Jesus' name.......Amen.
Have a great and wonderful Friday! TGIF! And weekend too!
God Bless,
Christina
Visit A Spiritual Guide
aspiritualguide.net
|
|
| Views: 238
Email This to a Friend 