Number One: A Reading
I usually read The Daily Bread at some point each day and today’s reading was great.
I won’t retype it here (click here to read it for yourself), but what a gut check to even consider having the attitude that Job had in 2:10: “Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?”
I’m “all over” the GOOD stuff and my adversities are pretty tame compared to some (especially after reading a Tweep’s post about here trip to India – truly CRAZY LOVE in action). I pray that I would be enabled by the power of the Holy Spirit to have this Job-itutde [ok, so now God will provide me an opportunity…].
Number Two: A Question
So the reading was Job 1:13-22, but I kept reading to 2:10 – about how Satan attacked Job’s health, his wife tells him to “curse God and die”, and he makes (in the context) a rebuke of her suggestion. It got me thinking…why did God not allow Job’s wife to be taken – He allowed everything else?
I couldn’t find an answer reading the surrounding text or in my study bible notes, so I did a few internet searches – none providing any specific biblical reference to answer the question. I did come across a great devotional blog called “Coffee Break” that seemed to provide a good thought on why:
“The answer is not clear until you look at the end of the book. “He had also seven sons and three daughters.” (Job 42:1) When God restored everything that Job lost, the restoration included children. Let me ask you a question: How was God going to give Job back children without someone to bare those children? God kept Job’s wife because she was the instrument through which part of Job’s restoration and his blessing was going to come.”
Further:
“Sometimes those things that we think are a “curse” in our life, sometimes those things that we think the Lord should take away, sometimes those things in our lives that look like they are against us, are actually the very thing that God is going to use to bring a blessing into our lives through.”
Question answered – thanks Lorraine!
Sovereign Lord,
Thank You for Your divine, providential care and Your unwavering interest in a sinner such as me! You are in control…I know it all too well…but how often I forget that Your plans (the “good” and “not-so-good” ones – at least in my oft-skewed sight) are for my good and Your ultimate glory. I pray that when (not if) I face adversity, I would view them as Job did.
dennis
x
It Is Well With My Soul (Spafford/Bliss)
Tho’ Satan should buffet, tho’ trials should come
Let this blest assurance control:
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate
And hath shed His own blood for my soul
Immersed (Charlie Hall)
You are more concerned with keeping me than exalting me
You would even use the pains of life to draw me close
If this be my hand my father, I receive it,
I am yours alone
DENNARR(dot)COM 