Job 17:6-7 (NKJV) 6 “But He has made me a byword of the people, And I have become one in whose face men spit. 7 My eye has also grown dim because of sorrow, And all my members are like shadows.
When we ended yesterday’s devotional, we were discussing God’s love, and the effects of facing trials; being squeezed by difficult circumstances.
If our lives are always comfortable and cozy, with no trials or tribulations, we simply will not grow to our fullest.
Why? Because we will never be forced to see ourselves.
We will be in cruise control, zipping through life without a care.
But when we get squeezed, usually by difficult or uncomfortable circumstances, the ugly stuff in us tends to ooze out.
I know this is not a pretty picture, but reality is rarely ever picture perfect.
When Job was attacked by satan, many things happened.
He lost his wealth. He lost his family. He lost his dignity. He lost his reputation. And he lost his good standing in the community.
Where Job used to be greeted in public with respect and warm smiles, he was now avoided because of his severe disfiguration caused by the boils.
Job’s physical appearance was so badly changed by his affliction, even his friends had trouble recognizing him when they initially approached (Job 2:12).
But as Job spent time with his friends, who did nothing to encourage him, he pondered his situation in a way that caused him to begin examining himself.
His words at that time were edgy and crass. He was angry with his dilemma. But in it all, he refused to do as his wife told him at the onset; to curse God and die.
Instead, he held fast to his faith, acknowledging God’s sovereignty in everything.
His distressed mind caused him to see things in a very drastic way, so his thoughts were extreme. But during his suffering, he began to reach out to God in a most earnest and sincere way.
In time, God spoke to Job. And Job listened with a sincere heart as God showed him where he had failed.
As God’s words penetrated Job’s heart, and as Job saw his sinfulness, he openly and readily repented.
Job 42:5-6 (NKJV) 5 “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, But now my eye sees You. 6 Therefore I abhor myself, And repent in dust and ashes.”
You see, had Job not faced such dire circumstances, he would never have been forced to see himself. And he would never have recognized his sin.
So, let us not be so quick to run from adversity. For it just may be that during our worst suffering, we find out who we really are. And what we see just might change us in a way that nothing else could have done.
Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie
Seven Seas Ministries
49 N Lamplighters Walk
Hampstead, NC 28443
401-439-3780
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Greetings in the wonderful name of our precious Savior, Jesus Christ of Nazareth. 