The Book of Job is believed to be the oldest book of the bible.
Why was it the one that began God’s story as told to man?
Could it be its wisdom is foundational if one desires a life of spiritual excellence— to trust God regardless of circumstances?
Job asked the questions all those of faith have asked.
Why do I suffer while the wicked enjoy life?
Why do those who despise and dishonor God receive blessings many of faith never experience?
Why would a holy and just God allow those who truly love Him to suffer?
Why?
For God’s glory!
While walking along the road Jesus saw a man who was blind since his birth.
Disciples: “Teacher, who sinned? Who is responsible for this man’s blindness? Did he commit sins that merited this punishment? If not his sins, is it the sins of his parents?”
Jesus: “Neither. His blindness cannot be explained or traced to any particular person’s sins. He is blind so the deeds of God may be put on display.”
Then He spit on the ground, made mud with the saliva and spread the mud over the blind man’s eyes.
He told him, “Go wash yourself in the pool of Siloam.” (Siloam means sent.)
So the man went and washed and came back seeing!
His neighbors and others who knew him as a blind beggar asked each other, “Isn’t this the man who used to sit and beg?”
Some said he was, and others said, “No, he just looks like him!”
But the beggar kept saying, “Yes, I am the same one!”
They asked,“Who healed you? What happened?”
He told them. “The man they call Jesus made mud and spread it over my eyes. And told me, ‘Go to the pool of Siloam and wash yourself.’
So I went and washed, and now I can see!” John 9:1-3 and 6-9
God is sovereign! Who are we— His children to question either His motives or methods? Our sole responsibility is to love and obey Him always!
Always means always— the bad times as well as the good times.
It is during the bad times— darkness when Christ’s love and compassion shine the brightest. Showcasing God’s glory dwelling in those who call Him both Lord and Papa.
Individuals who are the hands and feet of Christ to a hurting world. Going where He sends them. Loving their neighbors as themselves.
Doing good to those who hate them. Blessing those who curse them. Praying for those who hurt them. Conquering evil with good.
As God’s chosen ones, holy and loved. Put on heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Accepting one another and forgiving one another. If anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you. So you must also forgive.
Above all, put on love— the perfect bond of unity. And let the peace of the Messiah, to which you were also called in one body, control your hearts. Be thankful.
Let the message about the Messiah dwell richly among you. Teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom. Singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God.
And whatever you do in word or in deed. Do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus.
Giving thanks to God the Father through Him. Colossians 3:12-17
Job eventually surrendered to God’s sovereignty and plan for his life. Praising God’s name no matter the circumstances because He alone knows the beginning from the end.
For My thoughts are not your thoughts, and your ways are not My ways. For as heaven is higher than earth, so My ways are higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.
For just as rain and snow fall from heaven and do not return there. Without saturating the earth and making it germinate and sprout and providing seed to sow and food to eat.
So My word that comes from My mouth will not return to Me empty. It will accomplish what I please and will prosper in what I send it to do. Isaiah 55:8-11
GO DEEPER
Positive and negative circumstances weaved together create the tapestry we call life. Neither negative or positive circumstances will define you.
If…
You allow the Potter to use them to mold you into whom He envisioned when he created you.
Ultimately, it is you who determines whether your life is a tapestry of ugliness or beauty.
What unexpected negative circumstance did the Lord use to positively change you?
How did it change you?
What unexpected positive circumstance did the Lord use to positively change you?
How did it change you?
(Excerpt from I AM The Eternal Sage)
letsloveothers 