May 8, 2025

The enemy thought he could sift Job like wheat, but God knew him, and even though he had lost his children and wealth, and his health was in shambles, He expected him to recover. How far down have you gone? Have you gotten to the end of the road with nowhere to turn? Job was so far down that his friends didn’t expect him to return from it, and harassed him, but Job defended himself and rebuked them for their harsh words in his time of need. “Will ye speak wickedly for God? and talk deceitfully for him?” Job asked God to show him his sin, and thought God might be punishing him for his folly as a youth. We know that wasn’t the case, but Job didn’t know. Is your trial a direct result of your sin, or is God allowing you to be tested for faithfulness? Did you pass the test? If you are still being tried, stay in close contact with God, even if it is every moment of the day, and don’t give up or give in. If Job could recover without cursing God or blaming Him, so can you. 

Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him. Job 13:15

May 7, 2025

Job had listened to the drivel of Zophar and the other men long enough and decided to defend himself. Clapping back, he called them out on their arrogance, saying, “No doubt but ye are the people, and wisdom shall die with you.” He reminded them he was still wise despite being in a bad situation; his brain didn’t die with his wealth. Then he rebuked them for their conceit, pointing out that God is in charge of every situation, whether good or bad. God can use bad people as well as good people for His purpose. God is sovereign and has dominion over everything, including kings, governments, politicians, and those who think they are powerful. He makes judges fools and kings subject to Him. 

Those who fear what is happening in our government, relax! God is in control and knows what is best for us. If it is the time of the end, good, we go on to glory. If it is not, God knows our situation, and has our best interest in mind as he orchestrates the events. It is useless for us to worry or concern ourselves with it. However, it is entertaining to watch: it keeps our interest and is tantalizing. 

With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding. With him is wisdom and strength, he hath counsel and understanding. Behold, he breaketh down, and it cannot be built again: he shutteth up a man, and there can be no opening. Job 12:12-14

May 6, 2025

Did Job’s friends come to comfort him or to accuse him? Maybe they were only there to discover what he did against God so that they might gloat over their own faithfulness to Him. Zophar chimes in, but is as nasty as Job’s other friends, calling him a liar and a mocker. Something interesting I noticed was that they were only harsh with Job and meticulous not to say anything against God. They spoke of God with great care. Here, Zophar gives us insight into some of God’s attributes. 

1. He gives us less punishment than we deserve.
2. He is perfect.
3. He is immeasurable. 
4. He is unstoppable.
5. He knows what is in our hearts.
6. He is incomprehensible.
7. He is unsearchable. 

Finally, Zophar gives Job some encouragement. He tells him to prepare his heart, turn away from iniquity, and he will be able to turn his face toward God and forget his misery. He reminds him that there is hope, and he will be able to rest in safety and be unafraid. 

If you are going through troubled times, remember who God is, turn to Him, and He will give you rest.

Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection? It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know? The measure thereof is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea. Job 11:7-9

Side note: Is the Earth long and broad? Just a little extra to ponder. Remember, the Bible is God-breathed. 

May 5, 2025

It is useless to think we have any control over our lives. Whatever happens to us, though it may seem that we orchestrate it and have free will, ultimately God is in control and has a plan for us far more superior than anything we can imagine. Do we have free will? I often ask this question because God has a plan for us. Maybe God’s plan is based on how we react to certain situations, and he readjusts His plan when He sees our reaction, but even that doesn’t make sense, being He already knows how we will react. From my questions, you can see why I asked God to fill in some of the gaps in my understanding. If you think you have it all figured out, be careful; God will show you that you don’t. The best we can do is stay rooted in God’s Word, rejoice in what He shows us, worship Him daily, stay constant in prayer, and be thankful for Jesus and our salvation through him. 

In Job 10, Job continues to plead for God’s mercy. He knows that his life is in His hands; God made us and maintains us, so it is best that we submit to Him. There’s that word: submit. Until you learn what that means to God, you will continue to become undone when a crisis hits. 

Thou hast clothed me with skin and flesh, and hast fenced me with bones and sinews. Thou hast granted me life and favour, and thy visitation hath preserved my spirit. And these things hast thou hid in thine heart: I know that this is with thee. Job 10:11-13

May 4, 2025

We don't know ourselves as well as God, and it is pointless to think we do. Though Job is broken and crumpled on the floor, he knows his life is in the hands of God and doesn't understand why God didn't take his breath and allow him to die. His response to his friend's accusations and rebuke was humble because he knew he had no power over God. Sometimes, a blanket of God's wrath covers all of us even though we may be innocent; the difference between us and the wicked is the result of life everlasting for us in the presence of our Savior. 

How should we respond when we see someone experiencing suffering? 

1. Stand in awe of God and fear His wrath.
2. Pity and earnestly pray for them because they may not know how to pray for themselves.
3. Keep your thoughts pure about God, and do not question Him because we pity their suffering.

Even in our suffering, we can be grateful for our salvation in Jesus. Our life may not be what we hoped, but our everlasting life will be beyond our comprehension and more joyful than we can imagine. If you are suffering right now, bide your time; your life won't be dismal forever. Set your thoughts on good things until God relieves your misery.

If I speak of strength, lo, he is strong: and if of judgment, who shall set me a time to plead? If I justify myself, mine own mouth shall condemn me: if I say, I am perfect, it shall also prove me perverse. Though I were perfect, yet would I not know my soul: I would despise my life. This is one thing, therefore I said it, He destroyeth the perfect and the wicked. Job 9:19-22