Thoughts for another day

Jan. 10, 2008

Today's verse: Job 42:3. Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not. (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

Would that every Christian, every believer around the globe utter the words that Job uttered long ago in that unique tryst with God.

The Book of Job is a fine treatise on God’s sovereignty and power. It’s interesting that God sometimes brings His people to a situation of discomfort, not to punish or subdue but through it, project the person’s faithfulness. We may not understand the rationale for the dialog at the beginning between God and satan, nor Job’s malady; and we are in no position to question God, yet we can, in the book, learn a lesson; that of God seeking love from us, both selfless and unbridled; a reaction of unalloyed fidelity, no matter what He subjects us to.

What could be the reason for this? While this subject is in the realm of God’s infinite wisdom, the fact that this Book is an important entrée in the Bible means God is telling us something important. That, if I may allow my limited intelligence to elicit an explanation, would be: to see how much love we have for Him. Is our love only seen in good times or does it extend to bad times also? Can God by the love you show to Him talk to the evil one about it with pride? Could He say, ‘Have you seen the love that Jane has for me?’ Really, think about it.

It is easy to read about the test, both from Job’s perspective for we know that it was God’s test; but for Job it was devastating because he did not know this and his suffering, both physical and spiritual, was terrible which is why were his responses to his three friends were to declare his innocence and uselessness of his life. While in the perspective of God, Job’s negative reaction could give satan an upper hand. But God, tough He has given us freewill knows us well and if we claim to be His, there is yet a test that’s going to come our way that will determine the way we are tilted! A test, where we will be called to declare, our allegiance to Him, despite our being in sinking sand. My friend, it is difficult, for in that moment of truth we are prone to crumble. And quite honestly, I am concerned about this in my life and I pray to the Holy Spirit that He provide the strength to declare my fidelity to God in any circumstance, at any time. The same prayer I make for you too.