Faith Like Gold

 By: Joanne Viola

 

Let’s return to the book of Job for more insights and encouragement from our suffering friend. While we may not experience the depth of suffering which he did, a lingering challenge may discourage us.

We have looked at Job’s character HERE, and we also looked at the hedge of protection God had provided HERE.

As I have continued reading Job’s story, this verse was before me:

“As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, 
And at the last He will take His stand on the earth. 
Even after my skin is destroyed, 
Yet from my flesh I shall see God.” 
(Job 19:25-26, NASB)

We tend to praise God or give thanksgiving after our problems or suffering has passed. But Job spoke these words while in the midst of his suffering. He had no answer as to why he had to endure so much.

Yet he stood firm in his faith and trust that God was with him.

During challenging days, when we are asking questions of God, perhaps we need to remember these words of Job:

• “I know that You can do all things, And that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.”(Job 42:2, NASB) Not a thing we go through in life – no problem, no rejection, no shame, no failure, no divorce, no bankruptcy, no addiction, no disability, no pain– is big enough to thwart His plan.
• “Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.”(Job 42:3 NIV). There are times we would be wise to keep our mouths closed. Sometimes we give our opinions and we have not a clue what we are saying. God’s ways are often hidden from us. We cannot always explain Him.
• “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear; But now my eye sees You.” (Job 42:5 NASB).We may have heard so much about God. The thing is – He wants us to know Him for ourselves. By experience. Deeply. Intimately. We learn something about Him during hard times that cannot be learned any other way.

In the midst of his deep suffering, Job had this to say:

“But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. 
My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside. 
I have not departed from the commands of his lips; 
I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.” 
(Job 23:10-12, NIV)

“Faith like Job’s cannot be shaken because it is the result of having been shaken.”  
(Rabbi Abraham Heschel)

May God help us to hold onto Him
when life tries to shake us
so that we will develop a faith that is unshakeable.

 

Reflection:
Are you facing a challenge in your life at this time? What lesson from Job encourages you to stand firm and trust God?

 

Photo by Daniel Olah on Unsplash