Everybody has problems, but there are those times when the problems of life seem overwhelming. It’s during these times when our faith is most tested. If you have ever felt that way, Job reminds us that we are not alone and that our feelings of abandonment by God are not uncommon. Our raw emotions would have you believe the following:
1. God is not listening.
Job 19:7-13 “Behold, I cry out of wrong, but I am not heard: I cry aloud, but there is no judgment.”
2. God has incapacitated you with no clear path forward.
“He hath fenced up my way that I cannot pass,
and he hath set darkness in my paths.”
3. God has removed all of your position and influence.
“He hath stripped me of my glory, and taken the crown from my head.”
4. God has removed all of your hope.
“He hath destroyed me on every side, and I am gone: and mine hope hath he removed like a tree.”
5. God has made Himself your enemy.
“He hath also kindled his wrath against me,
and he counteth me unto him as one of his enemies. His troops come together, and raise up their way against me, and encamp round about my tabernacle.”
6. God has even removed your friends.
“He hath put my brethren far from me,
and mine acquaintance are verily estranged from me.”
LESSON - It’s during these times that the Holy Spirit increases our faith to remind us that THERE IS A HOPE!
1. Jesus is alive and better times lie ahead!
V25-27 “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:”
2. There is victory even in death!
“And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God:”
3. This body of pain will be changed in His presence.
“Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.”
HOPE is not later, it is now for it is found in Jesus Christ. Remember His final promise to His disciples, “and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
~Mike