“Even today my complaint is bitter; his hand is heavy in spite of my groaning. If only I knew where to find him; if only I could go to his dwelling! I would state my case before him and fill my mouth with arguments. I would find out what he would answer me, and consider what he would say. Would he oppose me with great power? No, he would not press charges against me. There an upright man could present his case before him, and I would be delivered forever from my judge. But if I go to the east, he is not there; if I go to the west, I do not find him. When he is at work in the north, I do not see him; when he turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of him. But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside. I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.” (Job 23:2-12 NIV)
Doesn’t our circumstances always seem more bitter and heavier than we ever remember? We always think our groaning is worse than anytime before. Yet, like Job, if we could only “find” where God is, we believe that we could convince him to change our circumstances.
Circumstances can challenge our faith at times. God may seem distant or even difficult to find. Yet, we are personally confident that “(H)e knows the way that I take.” Stop for a moment and think about Job’s confidence in God. Job can’t understand the way God takes, but he is confident that God knows the way Job takes.
Consider that Job recognized his tragic circumstances as a personal test. And consider the great faith of this man. In such circumstances, how could he be so strong in faith? Yet, he is confident of the test’s results: “I will come forth as gold.” What great faith! Oh to have faith like that!
His faithfulness to God is astounding. We would never have criticized Job, if he had expressed doubts and waivered in his commitment. We can clearly see how such tragedies might test a person’s faith and faithfulness. But Job testifies to his own commitment to the One he follows. Faithfulness in following God. Obedience to God’s commands. Value God’s words. Despite the circumstances . . . despite his own lack of understanding . . . despite his friends’ critical accusations . . . despite his wife’s despair and faithless counsel, Job remains faithful to the One he follows.
Dear Father, thank you for your faithfulness to us. Grant that we may be faithful followers like Job. This I pray in the name of Jesus. AMEN
Be encouraged today in your faithfulness to God,