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, at the onset of his suffering, worshiped God. And then, his confidence started to waver that affected his strength and wellness of mind and body.
Confidence builds in us by believing the finished work of the cross and knowing that Christ loves me and has redeemed me. Though I may suffer in this fallen world, it is 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. And, it will pass.
Are you experiencing His unmerited favor and thanking Him during your sufferings?
When tragedy strikes, where does your confidence rest?
When trouble strikes, is that when you cry out to God?
Jesus in 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 that You continue to grace my home with protection and love. On the days when the world seems to dish out more trouble than I can handle, remind me to reach for you. On those days when I feel alone, please remind me that you are here with me, lighting my way through the dark. You are my Hope and my Salvation. In Jesus’ most precious name, Amen
Today’s Tasting: Job 29:1-31:40 CEV
“Job said: ‘I long for the good old days, when God took such good care of me. He always held a lamp before me and walkd through the dark by its light. Oh, how I miss those golden years when God’s friendship graced my home’” (Job 29:2-6 MSG).
Job’s last big speech 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, attempts to defend 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.
Though Job quit encouraging and blasted words of discouragement to himself, his friends, and somewhat against God, he held to the fact that he had relationship with God and God would deliver him, despite his circumstances. 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.
Tomorrow’s Delight: Job 32-34
Shannon Spencer Christian Life Coach, Business Consultant, Speaker/Trainer www.ShannonWSpencer.com
Carolyn Marlowe CCLC
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Carolyn@alivebyhisword.com
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