"Though He slay me, I will trust in Him." Job 13:15 holds what to me is one of the most incredible verses in the Bible. It's an incredible statement of faith in God.
This is from Job, a man whose children are dead, whose possessions are gone, whose health is destroyed, and whose own wife counseled suicide as his best alternative. And to top it off, the best thing that's happened to him at this point in the book is a visit from three friends who spend the first week of their visit silent in awe at his suffering and the next while of their stay accusing him of being a sinner.
Yet still, Job comes out with this statement from the middle of a book full of complaint and a rousing case defending his righteousness and innocence before God. No matter what happened, Job is promising that his rest, his trust, and his reliance is in God. Even through death.
This isn't a long post. I've had a crazy week, and it won't slow down for a couple more days. I need to go to bed and get a few hours of sleep before I get up for another crazy day. But I know some of the people who read this blog are going through some hard times. I've talked to some of you; others I haven't. I know some of you cry; others of your simply keep your despair bottled up inside as your world crumbles around you.
Yet this is the faith that Jesus calls us to. He calls us to trust Him with a reckless trust that the world will call foolish, to cling to Him even tighter as times get tough, and to run to His arms even sooner when we can no longer hide the tears. Yes, when life is at its worst is when our faith is tested. Anyone is strong when the path is smooth and straight. It's when the path leads through thorns and over cliffs that our faith in the goal is tested.
Look, I don't know all your names. I know a couple of you. I know some of you hurt. I know some of you are going through rough times. But these are the very times that Jesus promises rest in. Rest. Peace, in Him, through Him.
So, for those of y'all going through a rough time, remember! He is worthy of your trust. Even when your heart feels like it's breaking, even when your world is falling down around you, He is there. He is a friend, an ever-present help in trouble. He is your Abba Father. And He loves you more than you can imagine.
This is from Job, a man whose children are dead, whose possessions are gone, whose health is destroyed, and whose own wife counseled suicide as his best alternative. And to top it off, the best thing that's happened to him at this point in the book is a visit from three friends who spend the first week of their visit silent in awe at his suffering and the next while of their stay accusing him of being a sinner.
Yet still, Job comes out with this statement from the middle of a book full of complaint and a rousing case defending his righteousness and innocence before God. No matter what happened, Job is promising that his rest, his trust, and his reliance is in God. Even through death.
This isn't a long post. I've had a crazy week, and it won't slow down for a couple more days. I need to go to bed and get a few hours of sleep before I get up for another crazy day. But I know some of the people who read this blog are going through some hard times. I've talked to some of you; others I haven't. I know some of you cry; others of your simply keep your despair bottled up inside as your world crumbles around you.
Yet this is the faith that Jesus calls us to. He calls us to trust Him with a reckless trust that the world will call foolish, to cling to Him even tighter as times get tough, and to run to His arms even sooner when we can no longer hide the tears. Yes, when life is at its worst is when our faith is tested. Anyone is strong when the path is smooth and straight. It's when the path leads through thorns and over cliffs that our faith in the goal is tested.
Look, I don't know all your names. I know a couple of you. I know some of you hurt. I know some of you are going through rough times. But these are the very times that Jesus promises rest in. Rest. Peace, in Him, through Him.
So, for those of y'all going through a rough time, remember! He is worthy of your trust. Even when your heart feels like it's breaking, even when your world is falling down around you, He is there. He is a friend, an ever-present help in trouble. He is your Abba Father. And He loves you more than you can imagine.
Thanks for sharing this! An excellent reminder and a great encouragement as well.
ReplyDeleteThanks for taking the time to write during your busy week. ;) I am always blessed in some way by the things you write. I hope you will continue!
Also, blessings on your crazy week. I will pray that God gives you the strength for each day. I have been very busy myself of late with work and various other shenanigans.
I'm so glad this was a help to you! Honestly, I can't take credit for this one. This had to be God helping to direct my writing, because I don't even remember what I wrote, I was so tired last night. :)
DeleteThank you! The week is coming to a close, and the crazy part finished tonight, so big sigh of relief there! I'll be praying for your own craziness too!