“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed to us.” —Romans 8:18
One aspect of life that every Christian believer experiences is disappointment. Yet, with tears and words of gratitude, we thank God for His ever-loving care. Our struggles encourage us to seek comfort through Christ and prepare us for an eternal life filled with love, peace, joy, and happiness.
Jesus says, “I have loved you with an everlasting love” which is our Heavenly Father’s encouragement to remind us that He is always with us.
Praying for comfort and peace is a prayer that is immediately answered by our Savior and Intercessor, Jesus Christ. Thanking God for His amazing love always soothes our emotions. Words of gratitude invite the Holy Spirit to strengthen us with Jesus’ healing power, and our hopelessness transitions to hope. God will not allow our circumstances to remain unresolved. Yes and Amen.
Lord God, we thank You for never leaving us or forsaking us. We ask for the blessings of comfort, peace, and strength in our times of suffering and distress. Thank You for our Spiritual Respite of the Sabbath. In Jesus’ Loving Name, we pray in faith, Amen.
God Reveals His Omnipotence to Job – Today’s Devotional – December 5, 2023
Most companies receive hundreds of CVs and resumes for a given position, but the use of software based on keywords eliminates the unqualified applicants. Still, human eyes must read the remaining submissions to determine the applicant’s competency, stability, and potential to develop or embrace the innovative strategies required to propel the company forward into a highly competitive business arena.
Imagine being asked to provide three character references and responding with “I can validate my own character.” What would the hiring manager think?
Job Defends His Integrity
Most are familiar with Job’s story—the profound loss of his wealth, and children, and the awful condition of painful boils. As if that was not enough to contend with, “Then his wife said to him, ‘Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die?’ ” (Job 2:9).
Although many believers have experienced suffering none usually compares to the profound loss and suffering of Job. Yes, Job lived a sinless life, even God considered him to be upright. Yet Job needed to learn a couple of lessons—God’s Omniscience [knowledge] and Omnipotence [power] are perfect and one’s integrity and righteousness do not prevent extreme suffering.
The misconception that suffering only results from a person’s disobedience to God or from hidden wicked behaviors was a prevailing thought in biblical times which explains why his friends blamed Job for his adversity.
Adversity presents itself in two time periods, short-term and long-term. We usually have enough faith in God to endure trials and tribulations that God quickly resolves, but the challenges that seem to last forever reveal whether or not our faith will fail or flourish.
In chapter two, Job rebukes his wife for telling him to curse God and die, “But he said to her, ‘You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?’ In all this Job did not sin with his lips” (Job 2:10). Job’s three friends came to mourn and comfort him for seven days and nights, yet “…no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his grief was very great” (Job 2:13).
“After this Job opened his mouth and cursed the day of his birth” (Job 3:1). At this point, Job’s friend Eliphaz tells him that he is being chastened [disciplined, punished] by God. “Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects; Therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty” (Job 5:17).
In chapter six, Job’s human weakness is exposed as his attention turns from God to himself. Job’s response, “What strength do I have, that I should hope? And what is my end, that I should prolong my life?” (Job 6:11). Job represents you and me and the weakness of the human heart when our emotions override God’s love. When our hardships continue, we feel that God has abandoned us in our greatest crucibles of suffering.
“My friends scorn me; My eyes pour our tears to God” (Job 16:20). “My spirit is broken, My days are extinguished, The grave is ready for me.” (Job 17:1)
As time progresses, and Job is still suffering, his three friends accuse him of hidden sins, folly, and wickedness. They urge him to repent so God will redeem and rescue him from a well-deserved punishment. “Have pity on me, have pity on me, O you my friends, For the hand of God has struck me! Why do you persecute me as God does, And are not satisfied with my flesh?” (Job 19:21-22).
Despite the misjudgment from his friends, Job proclaims hope in God, ” For I know that my Redeemer lives, And He shall stand at last on the earth; 26 And after my skin is destroyed, this I know, That in my flesh I shall see God, 27 Whom I shall see for myself, And my eyes shall behold, and not another. How my heart yearns within me!” (Job 19:25-27).
As we forward to the 23rd chapter, the passing of time reveals that Job is experiencing the full run of human emotions. Now he desires to contend or assert his position in a discussion with God.
“Even today my complaint is bitter; My hand is listless because of my groaning. Oh, that I knew where I might find Him, That I might come to His seat! I would present my case before Him, And fill my mouth with arguments. I would know the words which He would answer me, And understand what He would say to me.” —Job 23:2-5
Normal human behavior is predictable! When our intense sufferings do not cease according to our expectations or the death of a family member occurs, not only do we begin to doubt God’s love but we also desire to contend with God through negotiation to end the suffering.
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” —Isaiah 41:10
Although God reveals His love by continually sustaining our lives through suffering, our focus remains on ourselves. We begin to lose hope, boldly questioning God, How long? Why did God allow this to happen? or, God, tell me what I need to do?
“Oh, that I had one to hear me! Here is my mark. Oh, that the Almighty would answer me, That my Prosecutor had written a book!” —Job 31:35
Jobs suffering continues and in chapter 31, he becomes impatient and is ready for God to answer his prayers for relief. Still, we cannot rush God! Will we become angry with God or despondent because He is silent? Only the steadfast who hold onto their faith by relying on the power of God and trusting His perfect will and plans never lose hope.
“And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness…’ ” —2 Corinthians 12:9
Through continuous prayers, we receive strength and the ability to go forward from the Holy Spirit who reminds us of God’s faithfulness. In our personal times of tears and worship, God reveals His love by giving us spiritual comfort. “I will never leave you or forsake you.” We must remain faithful to God.
Although we do not have an exact timeframe for Job’s suffering, we can safely conclude that from Chapter 1 to Chapter 38 when God answered Job that he suffered for a long time. Yet nowhere do we read that Job and his wife were destitute, hungry, or homeless.
In chapters 38-41, the Lord God reveals His Omnipotence and begins questioning Job like the Prosecutor he addressed God to be in chapter 31.
“Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said: “Who is this who darkens counsel By words without knowledge? Now prepare yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer Me.” —Joshua 38:1-3
“Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding. Who determined its measurements? Surely you know!” —Joshua 38:4-5
“You said, ‘Listen now, and I will speak. I will question you, and you shall inform Me.’ My ears had heard of You, but now my eyes have seen You. Therefore I retract my words, and I repent in dust and ashes…” —Job 42:4-6
Reflection: Believers, who do we think we are? Many of us have a sense of entitlement leading us to believe that we deserve God’s blessings just because we say, Lord, Lord. Angels bow and cover their faces with their wings when worshiping our Heavenly Father. We must learn to serve God in humility, surrender, and reverence.
God deserves first place in our lives. He deserves our full attention, love, faith, obedience, and loyalty. The book of Job is an invitation to surrender and come to Jesus by recognizing that He is Omnipotent, He is the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.
Like Job, our faith will be severely tested! The time will arise in every believer’s life as if we feel that God is crushing us. We will feel as if we cannot endure another day of suffering. Yet God is always faithful! Through our suffering, God is drawing us nearer to Him. We must come to understand the magnitude of His Righteousness and Holiness.
“…Who then is able to stand against Me? Who has preceded Me, that I should pay him? Everything under heaven is Mine.” —Job 41:10-11
Prayer: God, we repent for the sins of presumption and irreverence. We ask You to give us the spiritual insight to understand Your love and Righteousness. Teach us to be holy. We thank You for hearing and answering this prayer that we ask in Jesus’ Worthy Name, Amen.
The reply to a blogger’s statement of “Do not focus on your circumstances, pray and God will see you through” was, “Why would you say that, all we have is circumstances?” Although the blogger had good intentions, the first part of his statement is inaccurate. The righteous are exempt from situations and circumstances.
Our journey consists of running a marathon and jumping over the hurdles of trials and tribulations. Suffering involves hardships and sorrows because spiritual refinement is required to align our character, create dependency on God, and build faith. Yes, our tribulations have a purpose. God is preparing us for eternal life.
Living righteously means that we put God first. With a concerted effort, we make sure that God is involved in every aspect of our lives. We pray, have faith, trust, and obediently wait for God’s answer. As disciples of Christ, whose sufferings were extreme, we were forewarned that suffering is required to serve God: I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart [have courage], I have overcome the world.” John 16:33.
Yes, at times, we become tired, and the weariness weighs us down. But we press on because we do not rely on our strength to run the race. In fact, we are always victorious. How? We have the advantage because Jesus provides us with His strength, “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13.
We acknowledge God’s gifts of unmerited and abundant grace and mercies that are freely given. God does not rain on us. God reigns over us. Our storms do not last forever: And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who is called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm,strengthen, and establish you. 1 Peter 5:10.
However, the reply to the blogger’s statement was the truth. In my lifetime, I have heard many times, “I have a situation.” Without God, one’s life is full of situations, circumstances, predicaments, and the consequences that are certain to follow. Praise God! Saying yes to Jesus’ knock at the door of our hearts provides us with the opportunity of not only being exempt, but we also are never alone, always covered by the love of God. It is the human effort of faith and God’s divine intervention that guarantees our win-win outcome.
Blessed [happy, spiritually prosperous, favored by God] is the man who is steadfast under trial and perseveres when tempted; for when he has passed the test and been approved, he will receive the [victor’s] crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. James 1:12. Amplified Bible
When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he already had been in that condition a long time, He said to him, “Do you want to be made well?” John 5:6
Jesus is waiting for our faith-based answer of ” Yes.” Whatever is going on in your life, He was aware before it happened. It’s time for us to rely on God in every situation. “Is there anything too hard for me?” Jeremiah 32:27
Trust God
God, we are saying, yes. We give you every burden, every situation, and every hardship to You. And we will faithfully wait until you bring victory. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
The desire to have relationships is innate. When we read the Creation story in Genesis, even God said, “Then the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.” Genesis 2:18. In our pursuit to find the one who is just right for us, we often compromise. Yes, we are selective in our choice. Still, the person is not suitable for us according to God’s standards.
Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? 2 Corinthians 6:14
Being unequally yoked extends well beyond our desire to have a romantic relationship. Our social circle of friends, along with family members, are also included in God’s command to separate from, if they are unbelievers. You may think, but how is it possible to exclude my biological family? The separation may not occur as in the physical location. You may live in the same home. The separation from unbelievers occurs on a much deeper level, spiritually.
Reflect on the unbeliever’s mindset, morals, values, conversation, habits, and the places they visit. Their lifestyle and choices have nothing to do with serving God.
What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? 2 Corinthians 6:15
The other day, I was involved in a conversation with a family member who shared a situation with me. She confesses that God has changed her life, yet, the words that flowed from her mouth did not convey righteousness. Many are intimidated, or we ignore when our family and friends share their wrongdoings with us because:
We accept them as “thats just the way they are.”
We have no interest in witnessing to others.
We have not studied the Bible, so what we say is only our opinion.
To complete the story, she became angry and stated, “Don’t preach to me!” And that is when God allowed me to face a crossroads, “And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.” Joshua 24:15.
As much sorrow as my human heart could bear, I was saddened by her outburst of not accepting God’s truth. But when praying for comfort, the Holy Spirit spoke to me and told me not to take this personally. Her declaration was against God. “The one who hears you hears me, and the one who rejects you rejects me, and the one who rejects me rejects him who sent me.” Luke 10:16. Remember, when witnessing to others, if they are not willing to accept God’s truth, we continue to pray for them and move forward in the Name of Jesus.
It is painful to separate ourselves from those that we love. Even so, our spiritual walk with God is a tough journey, and we need to have a close association with believers who can pray with us and share God’s love and precious promises. Satan will attempt to distract us from having an up-close and personal relationship with God. We know how the story ends, read Revelation the 20th chapter.
Some of you may wonder why I choose to share my personal experiences with temptations and trials. Each of us who has committed to serving God will have a life full of suffering and sorrows. Sharing our real-life experiences enables us to spread hope. God loves us, and He will always bring us through no matter what we are facing if we just faithfully believe and always trust in Him. What is our goal? To receive our reward of Eternal life in the New Heaven and New Earth!
To remind us that we are not alone in our struggles, God allowed me to read this scripture found in 2 Corinthians today.
We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed but not driven to despair. We are hunted down but never abandoned by God. We get knocked down, but we are not destroyed. Through suffering, our bodies continue to share in the death of Jesus so that the life of Jesus may also be seen in our bodies. 2 Corinthians 4:8-10
Please begin to study the Bible. Oh, how He loves you and me. Hallelujah! Praise God!
Bible Study: 2 Corinthians 4
Prayer: O Lord our God, we are asking you to reveal your love to us. We desire to witness and tell others that there is another way to live. Thank you for your great sacrifice and the plan of redemption. Please heal our brokenness and give us the strength and courage to continue through life’s journey. We ask for an increase in faith and trust in you. In Jesus’ Name, we pray. Amen.
Steps 2 Success with Spiritual Solutions 
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