Hello
Job 23:10 (NIV)
– But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.
At times it takes a deep faith to trust that God really knows what He is doing with our lives. In reading Job’s story, I get the impression that Job knew something about the character of God that his friends failed to realize. Even though Job had a grasp on who God is, his life was thrown for a complete loop with the devastation that came upon Job. Just when he thought he knew something about God, something happened that shook the very foundation of his faith in the Lord.
The response that Job had in this verse was a characterization of his faith in God. Even though he was in excruciating pain physically, emotionally and mentally, he maintained a perspective that God knew what He was doing…even if Job didn’t have clue. Deep faith can bring light to the darkest of situations, it can bring clarity to the most confusing of issues.
Job wasn’t the only one in the Bible that had a realization of this type of faith. Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples said in his writings that our faith was even greater than gold. Just like gold however, faith needs a refining fire to attach value to it. Peter saw faith refined in the purest sense when Jesus suffered through a crucifixion that Peter could barely watch. Peter may have run away and denied Jesus but the value that was attached to his faith after coming through that ordeal was precious indeed.
These stories give hope that no matter where we may be in our walk with God, we can be certain that our Lord is fully capable of taking care of us. If you’re like Job and have lived a good life or like Peter and feel like you’ve missed the boat in some areas, the wonderful thing about God is that He treats both processes of faith purifying the same. No matter what our background, our future is secure when placed in the hands of Jesus.
Reflections
Context of scripture verse – the entire book of Job
Consider:
- Read the context of the verses (take a few days)
Challenge:
- Look back at the challenges you have faced in your life. How have you responded to difficult situations? Are there some situations in which you could have had a deeper faith in God?
Apply:
- A deep faith comes by a choice to trust God no matter what happens. This resolution must come before a catastrophe strikes. In your notes, write a list of the things that God has done for you and realize that if He can do the small things for you, He can accomplish great things within you.
Note to Self: (reflections, challenges, reminders)