I have been led to spend more time in the book of Job for the last couple of weeks. If you haven't read it in a while I encourage you to take the time to go read and meditate on the the story that is told there. Make sure that you read in a comprehensible version of the text. I am reading the Message Bible.I find it much easier in getting the full effect of all that is going on and being said in the book of Job. The conversations between Job, his friends and God are easier to grasp.
I think we can all receive some very important life lessons through Jobs life. Weather you are going through an intense time of testing or are witnessing someone close to you as they go through intense trials, Jobs story will bring a better understanding to you of the situation. If you are witnessing someone going through a (Job like) experience what are you doing to support them? Are you supporting them at all? Maybe your sitting there literally witnessing it but doing absolutely nothing in the way of encouragement. Or are you secretly thinking negatively about that person which is in distress? Forming your own opinion, all the while being ill informed.
Jobs friends had many opinions on his situation and most of them were absolutely wrong! Job was being tested and God allowed Satan, for a season to torment him in every way imaginable. Yet, he was forbidden from taking his life. This was not due to something bad that Job had done. On the contrary, Job was highly favored in the eyes of his Father God. Imagine if you will,God pulling out his wallet showing satan a picture of his beloved Job and saying "Yep thats my boy... None like him anywhere in all the earth!" This began a chain of events in Jobs life. He experienced loss, heartache and pain unimaginable, but this would later bring Job into a much deeper understanding of God and his ways. In the end God would restore Job and bless him above and beyond his wildest dreams. But not before he gave a very harsh reprimand to his "so called" friends.. and to Job, a serious talking to!
I implore you to hold on and continue to love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind and strength if you are in the midst of a (Job like) experience. I know it is difficult, I am in the middle of one myself. Remind yourself daily of the love your Father has for you. How favored we must be to have been chosen to be tested in such a way! I sometimes say "Oh the Lord must be bragging on me again!". Know also that, although He will never be done working on us as individuals, until we are with him in his kingdom, there is an ending date in your current battle with the enemy of your soul. In other words ... this too shall pass. We are more than conquerors in his mighty and precious name. The name above all names.... the name above sickness and disease, the name above lack and poverty, the name above every power of darkness and principality that ever existed..... The name of Jesus Christ!
***Angela Jennifer***