I really felt convicted by the Job reading today. I think my family must see me sometimes like Job sees his friends… God has given me a husband and a child to love and both of them struggle daily. From my perspective it often seems like they should be able to “rise above” their challenges more than they do and sadly I’m like Bildad the Shuhite letting them know it with my words. God is just recently making me aware through His Word how destructive this is and how I need to make some changes in how I approach loving my family. I am not sure I know how…
Hi brightgirl! I just wanted to reply to your comment and say that I can relate… far too often, I expect my husband to be perfect in every situation. If he doesn’t do what I think is “godly” I let him know how I feel through my words and actions. It is a daily battle for me. I don’t really have any advice except I have found that it helps to intentionally pray for my husband and his struggles daily.
Thank you Lisa Ann, I’m smiling to hear the encouragement you have through Christ! He is alive and he cares about you :-) he loves all of us and He loves you Lisa Ann :-)
Wow I have so much insight from reading Job and Paul. In my years of depression and physical pain I did not understand the why’s I was not a bad person or huge sinner but I did not have relationship with Christ. I believed in God I know most of the stories but I did not get renewal of his word and love by daily reading or go to church. All that changed when I was on forced out my home and then had to start downsizing for an apartment. I started reading christian books and the bible. Then I walked into my church and it just all the sudden started to click and that presences those feelings of love, the smiles and welcoming just almost knocked me over. I was so thirsty and hungry that I read the Bible in three months but that’s what I did I read it and struggled. I love this plan and then reading everyone’s views or comments. It helps us beginner’s I’m in my infancy of understanding so thank you I’m so greatful that I took Open your Bible bible study and was lead to this extension or app. Thank you Father and my Savior Jesus Christ for leading me to more extended family. Amen
I love that though Job doesn’t understand, he confesses his faith in God’s sovereignty and ability to redeem. Then in he very last chapter of Job, he fulfills this statement, saying that his eyes have seen him. He is floored by God’s holiness, humbling himself and God lifting, restoring, and honoring him.
“For I know that my Redeemer lives,
and at the last he will stand upon the earth.
And after my skin has been thus destroyed,
yet in my flesh I shall see God,
whom I shall see for myself,
and my eyes shall behold, and not another.
My heart faints within me!” Job 19:25-27
“I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear,
but now my eye sees you;
therefore I despise myself,
and repent in dust and ashes.” Job 42:5-6
I’ve read this passage multiple times in the past and I’m seeing new things each time I come to it again. I think it’s interesting that Paul’s conversion was a 3 year process before he ever told anyone. Then, just by the fact that he didn’t persecute the church anymore, verse 23-24 says people glorified Christ because of this. I love this contrast and power in the way God’s word and testimony of Paul’s life brings life and change!
I’m gaining such a deeper appreciation for the Old Testament as each book reveals how much more we need Jesus and there really is no plan B for our salvation. Reading Job is like the embodiment of the Law proving that even when a man righteously obeys it all, striving and good works still fall short and cannot save us or satisfy our deepest need in our darkest moments-we need love, grace and a mediator to carry our burdens (Jesus). Job could not good work or obey the law his way back to all he had lost. And man, how revealing this is to the times I in knowledge of grace through Jesus, still strive to redeem myself through my own efforts? Wake up call.
I love Paul’s explanation of how God transforms him into a Christian in Galations: 15 “But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, 16 was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles…” This truth is very comforting. To know that God destined me to be His child, that He called me, that He sent His Son to die for me, and that He gives me a part to play in His story…all for His praise and glory!
I really felt convicted by the Job reading today. I think my family must see me sometimes like Job sees his friends… God has given me a husband and a child to love and both of them struggle daily. From my perspective it often seems like they should be able to “rise above” their challenges more than they do and sadly I’m like Bildad the Shuhite letting them know it with my words. God is just recently making me aware through His Word how destructive this is and how I need to make some changes in how I approach loving my family. I am not sure I know how…
Hi brightgirl! I just wanted to reply to your comment and say that I can relate… far too often, I expect my husband to be perfect in every situation. If he doesn’t do what I think is “godly” I let him know how I feel through my words and actions. It is a daily battle for me. I don’t really have any advice except I have found that it helps to intentionally pray for my husband and his struggles daily.
Thank you Lisa Ann, I’m smiling to hear the encouragement you have through Christ! He is alive and he cares about you :-) he loves all of us and He loves you Lisa Ann :-)
Wow I have so much insight from reading Job and Paul. In my years of depression and physical pain I did not understand the why’s I was not a bad person or huge sinner but I did not have relationship with Christ. I believed in God I know most of the stories but I did not get renewal of his word and love by daily reading or go to church. All that changed when I was on forced out my home and then had to start downsizing for an apartment. I started reading christian books and the bible. Then I walked into my church and it just all the sudden started to click and that presences those feelings of love, the smiles and welcoming just almost knocked me over. I was so thirsty and hungry that I read the Bible in three months but that’s what I did I read it and struggled. I love this plan and then reading everyone’s views or comments. It helps us beginner’s I’m in my infancy of understanding so thank you I’m so greatful that I took Open your Bible bible study and was lead to this extension or app. Thank you Father and my Savior Jesus Christ for leading me to more extended family. Amen
Wow… That’s incredible. So grateful you shared this! Thank you. Such hope.
I love that though Job doesn’t understand, he confesses his faith in God’s sovereignty and ability to redeem. Then in he very last chapter of Job, he fulfills this statement, saying that his eyes have seen him. He is floored by God’s holiness, humbling himself and God lifting, restoring, and honoring him.
“For I know that my Redeemer lives,
and at the last he will stand upon the earth.
And after my skin has been thus destroyed,
yet in my flesh I shall see God,
whom I shall see for myself,
and my eyes shall behold, and not another.
My heart faints within me!” Job 19:25-27
“I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear,
but now my eye sees you;
therefore I despise myself,
and repent in dust and ashes.” Job 42:5-6
If nothing else, all this suffering has given Job more of God.
Yes!! that stood out to me, too!! ♥♥
I’ve read this passage multiple times in the past and I’m seeing new things each time I come to it again. I think it’s interesting that Paul’s conversion was a 3 year process before he ever told anyone. Then, just by the fact that he didn’t persecute the church anymore, verse 23-24 says people glorified Christ because of this. I love this contrast and power in the way God’s word and testimony of Paul’s life brings life and change!
Kristen you hit it in the nose. Amen.
I’m gaining such a deeper appreciation for the Old Testament as each book reveals how much more we need Jesus and there really is no plan B for our salvation. Reading Job is like the embodiment of the Law proving that even when a man righteously obeys it all, striving and good works still fall short and cannot save us or satisfy our deepest need in our darkest moments-we need love, grace and a mediator to carry our burdens (Jesus). Job could not good work or obey the law his way back to all he had lost. And man, how revealing this is to the times I in knowledge of grace through Jesus, still strive to redeem myself through my own efforts? Wake up call.
Comments much appreciated!!
I love Paul’s explanation of how God transforms him into a Christian in Galations: 15 “But when he who had set me apart before I was born, and who called me by his grace, 16 was pleased to reveal his Son to me, in order that I might preach him among the Gentiles…” This truth is very comforting. To know that God destined me to be His child, that He called me, that He sent His Son to die for me, and that He gives me a part to play in His story…all for His praise and glory!