Drowning in a sea of problems?
What did you do to deserve this misery?
Does God not love you?
If you wrote out a list of all the challenges you were facing in your life today, would that be a short list or a long list? For most people that would be a long list that never seems to shorten. When one crisis is averted or handled another one arises in its place. It’s like playing a game of whack-a-mole where a new one pops up every time you squash one.
Maybe you are a good person trying to live right and do right and suddenly things are spiraling out of control. For some it could be that you are one in that season of life where you are now responsible for handling care for unwell family members. Or perhaps this has been your life all along, a black cloud hanging over it and nothing ever seems to go your way. Regardless of your situation and circumstances, there is hope and peace waiting for you if you haven’t tapped into it already. God breathed an entire book to help you through your life events and even went as far as to dedicate an entire forty-two chapter section in the Bible on this subject to give you perspective, peace, and promise in your peril. The Bible is literally intended to be our instruction book for life.
Learn to love the tests
Did you know that when problems arise in your life they are actually opportunities to spend quality one-on-one time with God? He is trusting you with these challenges as He builds your character and enjoys this time together teaching you. These are testing moments for you to learn and grow. One of the most important lessons God wants to teach you is to depend on Him always, when times are bad but especially when times are good. He wants you to have a daily relationship with Him like you would a good friend. Do you only call your best friend when something is wrong, or do you enjoy fun times together often? God wants a similar relationship, one where you want to be with Him always.
Think back to a time when you had a big test or exam you were scheduled to take. Remember the all to familiar stress and anxiety that came with it to be prepared for the test, wondering will you pass or fail and how the outcome would affect you? Life is full of tests, in school of course, but mostly outside of a school setting. Some call that school, the School of Hard Knocks; the school of surviving the challenges of life. In this school you learn something new every day in your life. Some things learned easily, but most things learned the hard way due to stubbornness and pride.
Our creator, the one and only living God, YHWH, allows us to be tested continually to grow us and teach us. He created us for His purpose, so naturally out of His love for us, He is going to teach us and prepare us for our calling that He created us for. His testing, while born out of love for us, is often painful. It’s the painful lessons that are the best remembered. We learn from the pain and hopefully don’t want to repeat the painful lesson but grow from it and do better.
When the tests pop up, rather than begging God to rescue you from them, learn to welcome them and ask God to teach you and show you what He has for you each time. Recognizing that He loves you or He wouldn’t be spending so much time drawing you close and teaching you lessons.
God sets an example for us
In God’s Holy Bible, He breathes a valuable story to show us why it’s important to trust Him and not question His motives. We read about this example in the story of Job in the First Testament of the Bible. The section is named after him; The book of Job.
Here you have a man that is righteous and blessed and who worshipped the God of Heaven. He loved and served God and was known as a very rich man in his country and was well respected by all. He had a large family and lacked nothing. We are told in the story that satan approached God in the courts of Heaven and they had a conversation about Job. Satan said that the only reason Job loved God was because he was blessed. So God allowed him to do whatever he wanted to Job but he must spare his life. God believed that Job would love Him regardless.
So here is Job living a life obedient to God in every way, when suddenly in one day he loses everything; then his health is attacked, he is turned into a leper. He had no idea what had transpired in conversation in Heaven. Immediately his “friends” came to console him but after a time began to preach at him that he must have sinned greatly for these things to have come upon him. Job knew he hadn’t sinned, so he starts begging for an audience from God. He wants a conversation with God to find out why He allowed these things to happen to him.
After about 35 chapters of whining and judging, God responds to Job’s request to speak to Him. Job is humbled by His majesty and is speechless as he listens to God speak. God then opens his eyes and ears so that Job can understand.
The Test
Job found himself, suddenly and without warning, in a position to take an exam that he had no answers for. You could call it a pop quiz on a matter that he had no prep for, or was he prepped? During all those years of being blessed and worshipping God, had He learned who God was? Had he learned to trust God no matter what came his way? Did he lose his faith in God, or did he just want answers? Perhaps God was allowing this to deepen His relationship with Job. He was past the milk and cookies stage of their relationship and Job was about to elevate to the meat and potato’s stage.
While Job loved and trusted God, overtime with all the judgment and preaching from his “friends”, Job became angry and wanted a chance to put God on the witness stand. He felt he deserved answers and wanted to ask God questions about why all these horrible things suddenly happened to him, including his friends turning on him telling him it all happened because of his sin.
It never occurred to him that God had orchestrated this situation to prove Job’s character and faith, and stretch it further thereby making his faith in God stronger. Up until this point, He was used to learning from God through peace. Since things had become so dire in his life, He naturally assumed that God didn’t know what was going on or was remiss in allowing it to happen.
Moving through, NOT staying!
When God allows or orchestrates these learning moments with us, our tests in life, He is not advising us to pitch a tent and stay in the test. His Word says over and over that we are going “through” it. And what’s more, He is going through it with us!
“But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee. Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life. Fear not: for I am with thee.” Isaiah 43:1-5a KJV
It’s because He loves you that He disciplines, tests, and teaches you. Trust Him in these moments and wait on the Lord. He is faithful to care for us. He does not grow weary. Though we grow weary, He does not. He will renew your strength and give you hope and peace. Allow His Word to encourage you as you are going through your valley being tested. Set your heart and mind to trust Him and ace the test.
“Hast thou not known? hast thou not heard, that the everlasting God, the LORD, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary? there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; andthey shall walk, and not faint.” Isaiah 40:28-31 KJV
“Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. And Moses called unto Joshua, and said unto him in the sight of all Israel, Be strong and of a good courage: for thou must go with this people unto the land which the LORD hath sworn unto their fathers to give them; and thou shalt cause them to inherit it. And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.” Deuteronomy 31:6-8 KJV
“Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” Joshua 1:9 KJV
“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ. And whether we be afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effectual in the enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer: or whether we be comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation.” 2 Corinthians 1:1-6 KJV
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke iseasy, and my burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30 KJV
Be encouraged and comforted by His Words. Believe that God will do what He says He will do.
The prideful one becomes humble
Thankfully God is so patient with us. If you stop and think about all the times you have sinned, made mistakes, and messed up, you would have to see in that same reflection that God is a very patient God. He knows and expects us to make mistakes so He doesn’t become angry when we become prideful, He knew we would and He already has a plan to bring us back to a humble state of mind. We can choose to allow Him to do it or we can fight Him on it; either way, He will humble us. So why not do it the easy way and let Him care for you. It’s all about His love for you.
When Job got the audience with God, he suddenly had no words. He was overcome by God’s majesty and authority. In His love for Job, God wanted to bring him to a place of silence, faith, and trust. A place of submission to God to trust Him no matter what transpired in His life.
In the story you will notice that God doesn’t answer any of Job’s questions. On the contrary, He puts Job on the witness stand. So clearly and lovingly does God respond to Job. Rather than answer any of Job’s fleshly questions, God instead responds with His own questions. These questions not only silence Job, he is wise enough to willingly and immediately submit to God’s authority.
For 35 chapters God doesn’t say a word. Then, He speaks to Job out of a storm. Just like He did with Moses, Elijah and Ezekiel. Have you ever wondered why you only hear from God during the storms of life and not the sunshiny days? Well, when everything is going your way, you aren’t focused on God because you don’t think you need Him on the good days. It’s only in the stormy, fifty-foot-wave moments of life when you are about to go under do you call out to Him and are more able to hear Him speak.
So upset was Job about his circumstances that he was full of questions for God and wanted an audience with Him. Once He finally got it, He realized – who was He to question God about His decisions? He discovered that even though God loved him, he was only a wisp of a breath in comparison to the universe and time. He found himself willingly silent and humbled by his actions.
No one deserves God’s mercy or grace, yet He gives it to us freely. So who are we to question God’s decisions or plans?
Humility brings hope and peace
Have you heard that saying, “if you keep your mouth shut some might think you are ignorant. But if you open your mouth it will remove all doubt.” Point being, it’s better to keep your mouth shut and listen to God. Take everything to God and let Him teach you. It is perfectly okay to take your frustrations, cares and concerns to your Heavenly Father, just do it with respect and expectation that He will comfort you as He works His plan for you that you cannot see.
When God responds to his questions, Job immediately realizes his error in questioning God’s motives.
“Moreover the LORD answered Job, and said, Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him? he that reproveth God, let him answer it. Then Job answered the LORD, and said, Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth. Once have I spoken; but I will not answer: yea, twice; but I will proceed no further.” Job 40:1-5 KJV
Allow this moment to take you back to your childhood when one of your parents was disciplining you in a conversation. Remember? You were sitting silent as they boldly shared their opinion, but on the inside you were fuming and planning your escape or revenge. Everyone has experienced this moment at least once. Thankfully that’s not where God leaves you. God does not want you just silent and listening, He wants you to become humbled while silent. He will continue disciplining until He brings us to our knees. You know what that is called? TRUE LOVE! God loves you to much to give up on you. He wants to help you reach the potential He created in you.
In Job 40:6-8, God does just that with Job. He is talking to Job directly as he listened intently. Job was silent but he wasn’t broken and humbled yet; so God pressed in further. He continues speaking to Job wanting to know if he is going to keep judging and questioning God’s authority. He challenges Job to suit up and match wits with Him. He asks him, can you do what I do? Then God goes on to tell him what He deals with everyday. Job was speechless.
Do you realize what you are doing when you question God and His decisions? Study this chapter and see if the Holy Spirit shows you clearly why you want to trust God instead. In Job 41:10-11 KJV, God says; “None is so fierce that dare stir him up: who then is able to stand before me? Who hath prevented me, that I should repay him? whatsoever is under the whole heaven is mine.”
Isn’t it funny how when things aren’t going your way, you can get puffed up and feel justified to blame God or question why He allowed such a thing to happen to you, as though His whole purpose was to keep you happy at all times? Job went on a rant venting to God point by point how he had been wrongly abused in his life trying to prove he was good and didn’t deserve what had happened. In God’s great mercy, He didn’t smite Job on the spot but let him vent. Then God’s response out of love was to show him who He is, what He has done, and what He continues to do. Job’s eyes are then opened and he sees his folly in his actions.
Out of humility comes repentance
”By humility and the fear of the LORD are riches, and honour, and life.” Proverbs 22:4 KJV
After God’s clear, direct, but loving response, Job is humbled and repents. He admits that he didn’t understand and talked about things he did not know and pleads for God’s forgiveness. He realizes how insignificant he really is in the big picture of God’s Master Plan. He has now gone from silence to submission to God. Job repented of his arrogance in the situation.
The source of our problem is not God or other people; it’s our own pride and arrogance. Those are gifts from the enemy that we do not have to accept from him. Job learns valuable lessons and repents and reconciles with God.
”Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge.” Proverbs 23:12 KJV
We should learn from Job’s story that God is in control, not us. We are but a piece of God’s puzzle to His master plan. When we look through fleshly eyes, we can only see ourselves, our life and what is happening to us. It is so easy through this view to be consumed with what’s going on in our personal world, and not see God’s big picture and master plan. Choose today to die to flesh and let Jesus have your heart and soul. Cling to Him and stay in His Word so He can teach and encourage you with His promises through your storms. Only there will you find hope and peace. Only then will you be able to live in a humble state of mind and see through God’s eyes and allow Him to love you and guide you through the tests. You will then be able to see the tests are a gift from God and can choose to ask Him to teach you what He needs you to know.
“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” Luke 9:23 KJV
“Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.” Romans 6:6 KJV
“This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.” Galatians 5:16 KJV
“I protest by your rejoicing which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily.” 1 Corinthians15:31 KJV
Double blessings
In a nut shell, the actual sin in Job’s story that everyone was speculating on was ironically the friends judging him for his problems. As a result, the friends received a merciful direct response from God as well. God required an offering to repent of their sins for misrepresenting God and sharing their own opinions rather than the truth of God’s Word. Lesson here: don’t judge others. Let God do the judging.
Through this encounter, choosing to humble himself, and learning to trust God at a whole new level of faith, God blessed Job DOUBLE for all He lost. This story is such a valuable lesson for all of us. Be humble and trust God to do what He says He will do. He is the creator and author of this story. Trust Him always.
Knowing and practicing your ABC’s
Choose to live your life for Jesus and spread His love to others. When integrity meets adversity; trust God. He loves you more than you know. Please turn to Him today before it’s too late. It’s simple, really, do the ABC’s.
Keep it simple. Do the ABC’s and repent today.
- A: Admit that you are a sinner. (Romans 3:23, Isaiah 64:6, Ephesians 2:8-9)
- B: Believe in your heart that Jesus is the son of God and that He died for your sins and rose from the dead for you. (John 3:16-18, 1Corinthians 15:1-4)
- C: Call on Jesus and repent of your sins and turn back to Him and ask Jesus to show you the way. (Romans 10:9-13, John 14:6)