REFLECTIONS

Seasons of Trouble

He might have thrown back his shoulders and taken credit for his immense power and vast land and livestock holdings. He could have shown pride in his good health, loving wife, ten fun loving children, and servants enough for every need. But he didn’t. Instead, Job looked at himself as a man blessed by God; and he never once removed his eyes from the source of it all. Still, he couldn’t see the storm brewing until… Poof!

It was gone—all of it! His servants slain by the sword, his ten children crushed in a storm, livestock slaughtered or stolen. Disgust even replaced his wife’s love.

Job’s story is among the most difficult to read in all the Bible. But as tough it may be to read; it must have been excruciating to live. And God allowed it. Yet, even in his seasons of trouble, Job reasoned, “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; /Blessed be the name of the Lord.” (1:21 NJKV) And Job accepted, “Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” (2:10)  

Seasons of trouble blow through everyone’s life. Should we expect otherwise? Jesus warned, “In this world you will have trouble.” (John 16:33) And to the Romans, Paul wrote:

            The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs — heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. (8:16-17)

Peter said it this way: “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.” (1 Peter 2:21)

Job stood strong, “I know that my Redeemer lives, /and that in the end he will stand upon the earth. / And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; ” (19:25-26)

David too, “I sought the Lord, and he answered me; /he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.” (34:4-5)  And

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, /And saves those who are crushed in spirit. /Many are the afflictions of the righteous; /But the Lord delivers him out of them all. (34:18-19 NASB)

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a [huge crowd] of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders… and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross… so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. (Hebrews 12:1-3)

You are the light of the world,

Richard +

www.reflectingthesavior.org

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