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Day 7 – Grief Job 6:1-13 What do you do when trouble comes your way? Do you try to run from it or do you meet it head on? Job was in great distress. His body hurt from head to foot, and his friend told him he was guilty of sin because of the trauma he was going through. When a person hurts, is sick, has trouble come on them, they don’t want to hear how it’s their fault, that they did something to cause the trouble. Job did not answer Eliphaz’ condemnation for the trouble he was in and that it was his fault for concealing some secret sin. Instead, Job implored God to take care of the matter, even let him die so he would be rid of the pain he was in. When bad things happen to us, whether sickness, disease, or things we counted on, not happening, we tend to lose hope as Job did. We’re not perfect, that comes with death, but we are human, and we don’t want to experience any kind of pain in our lives. Job communed with God, not his friends who came to sit with him in his grief. He pleaded with God concerning the trouble he was in, and asked God to take him so he wouldn’t need to endure anymore pain and hardship. Yet, it is in grief God hones us for our future. How we handle ourselves in grief will determine whether or not God can use us for His glory or look for someone else to do His work. Just before His death, Jesus told Peter Satan determined evil against him. Luke 22:31 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: 32 But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren. (KJV) Peter had a lot in common with Job. Satan asked God for the opportunity to come against Job, and he did the same where Peter was concerned. Yet, we see Jesus’ answer. Jesus prayed for Peter, and God declared the outcome to Satan regarding Job. In both cases, death was not the answer, but strength was. Job’s grief was just beginning. Peter’s hadn’t begun yet, but would in the next few hours. Both went through agony – Job through bodily distress, and Peter through mental distress. Grief takes many forms. Yet through every form of grief, God is there, ready to take us through, if we will trust Him. As Christians, many times Satan comes at us, doing his best to destroy our faith and show us our weakness. Yet it is in our weakness, our grief, that God shows Himself strong. Paul had a thorn in his flesh and asked God to take it from him. 2 Corinthians 12:9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (KJV) Paul said this regarding Jesus crucifixion: 2 Corinthians 13:4 For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you. It is through God’s power in us that we live and can testify to the power of God in our lives. Are you going through any kind of trouble? Do you find it hard to endure, as Job or Paul did? Or are you getting ready for the greatest moment in your life. Do not worry or doubt God when trouble comes at you from every side. God is honing you and preparing you for your greatest work. Just before Jesus began His ministry, right after He went to John to be baptized, He went into the desert and was tempted by Satan. If Job, Paul, Peter, and Jesus can endure Satan’s onslaught, so can we. Remember David’s words: Psalm 30:5 For his anger endures but a moment; in his favor is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. 6 And in my prosperity I said, I shall never be moved. 7 LORD, by thy favor thou hast made my mountain to stand strong: thou didst hide thy face, and I was troubled. 8 I cried to thee, O LORD; and unto the LORD I made supplication. 9 What profit is there in my blood, when I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise thee? Shall it declare thy truth? 10 Hear, O LORD, and have mercy upon me: LORD, be thou my helper. 11 Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; 12 To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee forever. And Isaiah said regarding Jesus: Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound; 2 To proclaim the acceptable year of the LORD, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; 3 To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified. (KJV) Grief is momentary. If you are going through a time of trouble, know this: It will pass. You just need to hold firm to your faith and God will bring you through. Let’s pray: Father, my life is an open book before You. You know the trouble I face. Help me lean on You and not fall under the pressure Satan brings against me. In Jesus’ name, I pray, amen. Copyright © 25 February 2016 by Valerie Jean Routhieaux All scripture is King James Version, edited by me into common English. Image courtesy of Pixabay