I can still remember one of my Nursing Supervisors in college. She would stand outside the patient’s room with you asking a million questions about the procedure you were about to carry out. Did you have everything you needed and were you well versed in what you were about to do. But right before you both walked into the room she’d say, “I will only stop you if you are potentially going to hurt the patient.” It was always said in a quiet, soft voice, but boy did it pack a wallop! Luckily, she never said a word during any of my procedures, and I gained a wealth of knowledge from that uncompromising woman. The Lord is the same way, His discipline is to educate us, not hurt us. It’s only when we reject and turn away from His correction that we suffer.
Tag: job
Job 42: 1-2 ” Then Job replied to the Lord: ‘ I know that You can do all things; no plan of Yours can be thwarted.’ “
Job recognized and understood that the plans and purposes of the Lord couldn’t be stopped. In Matthew 19:26, Jesus made the statement that, “with God all things are possible.” This wasn’t a qualifying statement. Rather, when He said all, He meant all. Oh that we could have the same kind of discernment that Job had…the same kind of boldness, that when God says all things are possible, we know He means it. For God is a promise-making God…but more importantly, He’s a promise fulfilling God.
Zechariah 1:3 ” ‘Return to Me’, declares the Lord Almighty, ‘and I will return to you’…”
Job 22:23 says, “If you return to the Almighty you will be restored.” The responsibility lies on our shoulders…the decision, squarely on us. For only we can resolve to turn around and come back to the Lord. God’s position has never changed…it’s us that have wandered so far away. But if we only turn our hearts back to Him, He will restore and rebuild our lives that are in shambles.
Job 36: 13 ” The godless in heart harbor resentment…”
Every once in a while I come across a person who enjoys holding onto bitterness. They recount to me impressive dates and details of past hurts and offenses. They wear these perceived insults as badges, ever brooding over them…playing them over and over in their minds. Pathetically, their vindictiveness and obsession has literally taken over their entire life. This root of bitterness has taken ahold, and grown into an ugly creature that no one can hardly recognize.
Job 7:11 ” Therefore I will not keep silent; I will speak out in the anguish of my spirit, I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.”
Only the Lord may know the personal suffering and grief you’re going through today. And it’s perfectly OK to be completely honest with God and tell Him how you feel…even to the point of yelling at Him. For the Lord has very broad shoulders and will never take offense…for only He can truly understand.
Job 24: 13 ” There are those who rebel against the light, who do not know Its ways or stay in Its path.”
The light of Jesus has come into the world…but men love darkness, (John 3:19-20). They resist God, not recognizing or acknowledging His majesty and the gift of salvation He offers. He calls all of us to be children of light…for the fruit of light consists in all goodness, righteousness, and truth. (Eph. 5:8-14).
Job 10:12 ” You gave me life and showed me kindness, and in Your providence watched over my spirit.”
With careful forethought You have provided everything I need. My life has been filled with good health, prosperity, and energy to accomplish the purpose You have placed me on this earth for. I thank You Lord for Your mercy and love daily as You guard over my life. You are a good, good Father.
Job 2:12 ” When they saw him from a distance, they could hardly recognize him…”
Job’s three friends – Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar had come to be with their friend who was going through tough times. But as they approached, they barely knew him. Granted, the horrible sores on Job’s body may have disfigured him greatly…but grief also played a major role in his appearance. Job’s countenance was changed by the profound sorrow he was going through… of losing all his children…his livelihood…and finally grappling with the stark question… why Lord? It’s almost impossible to hide those innermost private emotions and struggles from showing on our face.
Job 12:10 ” In His hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind.”
God is the Lord of life. Everything in this vast universe is under His watchful eye…not the tiniest detail escapes Him. Our very life breath is orchestrated under His guidance…so the next time you’re wondering if God even notices you and what you may be going through…take a deep breath…feel your heart beating, and thank Him for being in the palm of His mighty hand.
Job 12:13 ” To God belongs wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are His.”
Even through his suffering, Job was keenly aware of the Lord’s awe-inspiring strength, might, and insight. Elsewhere in Job 9:4 he declared, “His wisdom is profound, His power is vast.” One cannot but agree with that statement…our Lord is all-knowing, His power limitless and infinite.
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