Job 2-3

I am so sorry I haven't posted in several days. Last week was crazy. I have gotten some good news concerning my career and my future for myself and for Lane, so I know that God is still working in my life as he always is. Just as I wrote this last sentence, I really began to think about Job and the chapters we have read so far. I had a friend call me today that is going through some things and I was able to share Job's story. She was confused as to why some very influential people in her life that are Christians could be so cruel and turn their backs on her. I have been amazed at the people who have told me stories of what they're experiencing right now, at this very moment. I just began reading Job. So after I wrote the sentence above about God working in my life just because of good things happening to me, I began to think about Job. Even though Job was going through all of this terrible stuff, God was still working in his life. He never abandoned him and he never has abandoned any of us. Job couldn't see it at that moment in time because our human perception of things is only capable of showing what is directly in front of us. God sees the entire picture. He sees the future and he knows what choices we will be faced with. Notice that in chapter 2, satan returns to heaven and asks God to give him permission to inflict pain and suffering just on Job's skin and bones. Even though this a terrible thing for someone to go through, we can see that God is using Job to bring Glory to his name. My human self is probably the most selfish because I definitely do not want to have to endure pain to bring glory to God's name, but there are already so many decisions that I have made myself that brought pain and suffering on and God rescued me. That is what we can learn from Job. Even though we may be suffering and mourning at this point in time, God isn't finished with us. He is NEVER finished with us as long as we allow him to use us on a daily basis.

In chapter 3, Job cursed the day he was born. This isn't him cursing God, but cursing the actual date of his birth. I've never been that miserable that I wished I hadn't been born. Job knew that he wasn't going to curse God, but I believe that he also felt that he had been forsaken by God. There is so much spiritual warfare that is going on all around us and we don't even see it. It is important for us to keep in mind that even though we may feel like God has forsaken us, he never does. He loves us more than we can even begin to imagine and that is the reason why he allows us to go through things. He has to give us free choice. If we are never faced with trials, tribulations, storms and temptations, then we will never grow in our relationship with Christ.

One of the most important things that I read in chapter 3 is going to be typed below and then I'll discuss it. This came out of my study bible.
3:23-26
Why is life given to a man whose way is hidden, whom God has hedged in? For sighing has become my daily food; my groans pour out like water.

Job had been careful not to worship material possessions but to worship God alone. Here he was overwhelmed by calamities that mocked his caution, and he complained about trials that came despite his right living. All the principles by which he had lived were crumbling, and Job began to lose his perspective. Trials and grief, whether temporary or enduring, do not destroy the real purpose of life. Life is not gocen merely for happiness and personal fulfillment, but for us to serve and honor God. The worth and meaning of life is not based on what we feel, but on the one reality no one can take away-- God's love for us. Don't assume that because God truly loves you, he will always prevent suffering. The opposite may be true. God's love cannot be measured or limited by how great or how little we may suffer. Romans 8:38-39 teaches us that nothing can separate us from God's love.

That excerpt was in my study bible and I honestly agree 100%. Serving as the children's director and serving on the youth committee has helped me blossom so much as far as becoming a new creature. When I went through my divorce, it was difficult for me to feel needed and to feel loved. I felt like nobody would ever need me again and I felt like nobody would love me again. What I didn't know was that God hadn't ever stopped loving me. I had recently passed up the position for pre-school director/teacher due to some personal issues that I shouldn't have let get into the way of my life at church. Luckily, after my separation and throughout my divorce, God gave me the opportunity to work as an adult leader with the youth group, work as the preschool director as well as become a teacher in a public school. I wouldn't have ever take on any of these positions if I hadn't gone through what I went through. I never would have had the self confidence to go through with it on my own. So I want to encourage those of you who are experiencing rough times. God loves you unconditionally. No matter what. Give your situation to him so that your burden will be easier to carry. God bless.