Have you ever gone through a tragedy or some crazy trial in your life and just felt like giving up? You have faith in Christ, but even in God, it is failing because of what you are going through. This may have been you in the past or now, depending on your circumstances. Well, all I know is that I have been tried with various layoffs at work because of the Coronavirus, but still my faith has not been lost. It could have very well failed me if I was not so in touch with God, but thankfully I have not stopped seeking God daily in His Word and in prayer. Therefore, in these trials, I know that God is simply leading me to something better. I know that my Redeemer lives and loves me, so anything I go through He is able to lead me to greener pastures. The same be can be said for Job. While he was suffering, after losing his children and almost everything he owned, he said the following. 1“As God liveth, who hath taken away my judgment; and the Almighty, who hath vexed my soul; All the while my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils; My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit. God forbid that I should justify you: till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me. My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go: my heart shall not reproach me so long as I live.” (Job 27:2-6) So he may be in pain, but still God spirit is in Him. Therefore, he will not speak evil, but hold fast his integrity with God’s righteousness in him. This is true faith.
Job continued and said, 1“let mine enemy be as the wicked, and he that riseth up against me as the unrighteous. For what is the hope of the hypocrite, though he hath gained, when God taketh away his soul? Will God hear his cry when trouble cometh upon him? Will he delight himself in the Almighty? will he always call upon God? I will teach you by the hand of God: that which is with the Almighty will I not conceal. Behold, all ye yourselves have seen it; why then are ye thus altogether vain? This is the portion of a wicked man with God, and the heritage of oppressors, which they shall receive of the Almighty.” (Job 27:7-13) Wow! You can see that all he wanted to do was live his life for God, who saves. The wicked may have what they want in life, but it isn’t worth having the wrath of God come upon them on judgment day. People can come at us thinking we are crazy because of our faithfulness to God, but that is them being very foolish and unwise. The hypocrites are also those who say they live one way but really live another. God knows our hearts, and if we are not really for God, then we are against Him. These are those who don’t always delight in God, not call upon Him often in prayer. Other things have their attention outside of God. Therefore, their portion from the Almighty is not what they expected come judgment day. Instead, the hypocrites will be counted along with the wicked. This is in summary of what Job said, and it is amazing that His faith continued to be so strong.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that people will not lose their faith while in these difficult and dark times we live in. There are many hardships that we are all facing when it comes to losing a loved one in death, losing a job, financial issues, going through a chronic illness, marriage and family issues, addiction problems, and more, including sin. Everyone has something they are going through which we cannot fix on our own. So, Lord, Your presence is what we need in order to buffer the storms and not be swallowed up in them. The enemy would love to take us captive and put his clutches in us all, but You are stronger than he is. His temptations have so many holes in them, which always lead us to feel guilty and shameful afterward. And it is not worth losing my relationship with You, Jesus, over my fleshly lust, covetousness, or lying. What the world offers cannot compare to what I have built up with You over these years. You mean more to me than anything else in life. Lord, to You I give the highest praise. I give You honor and praise, this day, and forever. There is no one like You, God. Thank You for saving a wretch like me and for pointing me on the right path. I would still be on the path of destruction until now, but You have delivered me from death and hell. I owe my life to You. You did not have to pay the price for my sins and the rest of this world, but You willingly died for us all. Thank You, Jesus. It pains me to know how much You suffered for me, but I am so grateful You did it. Lord, it is in these dark times that I need Your light in my life. Only through Your guidance and direction can I know which way to go in life and be safe in return. Therefore, I will keep You close to my heart all my days. I never want to lose You again. Heaven is where I desire to be, for You are there. I love You. Amen.
Let us read the Bible:
Note: Any Numbered References, found above, are listed below.
