Day 11 – January 11

Today’s Tasting: Job 29:1-31:40 CEV

“Job said: ^‘I long for the past, when God took care of me, and the light from his lamp showed me the way through the dark. In fact, God sends disaster on all who sin,
and he keeps a close watch on everything I do I am not dishonest or deceitful, and I beg God to prove my innocence. Why doesn’t God All-Powerful listen and answer? If God has something against me, let him speak up’” (Job 29:2-6).

This is Job’s last big speech. Through it he remembers the loving relationship he had shared with God, who in the past had blessed him and was attentive to his every need. Job describes the tragedy of the present, defends his true innocence, and cries out for God to defend him and protect him.

Job’s friends were seeking wisdom based on their own understanding of God, taught to them through their culture. They believed that if you were good, God shined His favor on you. His friends also believed, if you were the victim of misfortune, it meant that sin abounded in your life, which meant punishment.

Job had true faith that came directly from his relationship with God. True faith developed during his life that gave him the belief to cling to God, despite his circumstances.

Through all the tragedies that struck, Job lost his original sense of well-being and the assumption that God would always bless him and protect him without troubles or trials for life. That’s why the tragedies that happened to him were so tough for Job to handle.

Today’s Nourishment: Grace means unmerited favor, which we can do nothing to merit. Basing our relationship with God on our own works and good deeds, rather than His gift of grace, causes our faith to falter when calamity strikes. Jesus said, “I have told you this, so that you might have peace in your hearts because of me. While you are in the world, you will have to suffer. But cheer up! I have defeated the world” (John 16:33 CEVU).

Job certainly did not know what was going on in the spiritual realm, as the Accuser caused havoc in his life. He had lived an honest life of loving God and serving Him with all of his heart, mind, and strength. Confidence builds in us by believing the finished work of the cross and knowing that Christ loves me and has redeemed me. I will suffer in this fallen world, but not because God loves me any less or is punishing me. When troubles and trials arise, I shelter in His embrace, while waiting for the storm to pass. It will pass.

Are you experiencing His unmerited favor and thanking Him during your sufferings?

From where do your blessings come: your work, your possessions, and accomplishments of your children?

When trouble strikes is that when you cry out to God?

How do you spend time with Him on a regular basis, learning about Him, who He is and who you are in Him? 

Pray with me: Abba Father, thank you for the many blessings in my life. Thank you for loving me enough to want to know me and spend time with me. On the days when things seem tough, help me to cling to You and not lose faith. Help me see your hand protecting me in all circumstances. On the days when the world seems dish out more trouble than I can handle, please forgive me for forgetting to reach for you. On those days when I feel alone, please remind me that you are right here with me, lighting my way through the dark. You are my Hope and my Salvation. In Jesus’ most precious name, Amen.

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Tomorrow’s Delight: Job 32-34 

 

Shannon Spencer                                                                                                                                                                                          Christian Life Coach, Business Consultant, Speaker/Trainer                                                                                       www.ShannonWSpencer.com