Read
“I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.”
Job 42:2
Reflect
No matter what terrible things you’ve been through, it’s a safe bet that Job has you beat. That is unless you’ve had most of your stuff stolen. And the things you had left burned up in a fire. And had your family killed in a storm. And then had your body covered in oozing sores. And then have your remaining friends blame all of that tragedy on you.
By comparison, our lives have almost certainly been fairly easy. That’s not to say that things can’t be pretty hard sometimes. But that’s where Job’s response is such a valuable lesson for us. In the midst of all of the terrible things that happened to him, Job turned to God and said, “I know that you can do all things and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” Job’s life was seemingly ruined, and yet he still trusted the Lord.
This week, there’s little doubt that you will have some hard times – you might even encounter some things that look impossible to overcome. But when you are tempted to throw your hands up, shout at the people around you or, worse, say something terrible to God, stop and take a deep breath. Remember that God truly does love you and has a plan for you and that it’s never to destroy you. No matter what happens, He has your best interests at heart, and you really can trust Him.
Reflection copyright © 2022 Doug DeBolt.
Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
