Wrestling through Job

So a few weeks back... Well, let me be honest, maybe a few months back... God had led me to read though Job. I'm not sure how much you know of me, but here is a brief break down: I grew up in the church, attended Bible College after graduation, and returned to serve in various ministries  over the past 9 years (Jr. High, High School, Women's Ministries, Worship). You would think with how much my life has been surrounded by the Word of God that I would have read through the book of Job by now. . . but no. 

I know the story well. I know the first few chapters and the ending. (That's the most important part, right?) But I began to think, as God had put this book on my heart, "What can all those 42 chapters be full of?!" ... and to be honest, I was nervous for the theme of the book that I was being directed to: Suffering.

If you're not familiar with the book of Job, I strongly suggest that you stop reading this little post and grab your Bible. Pray. Read. Then pray again. 

Job was a "blameless man, of complete integrity." That says a LOT. He endured some pretty legit testing and trials. He lost everything he had, quite literally. His wealth, his animals, his servants, even all his children, and eventually his health. I can't imagine losing one of those, let alone all of them at the exact same time. 


Well, reading through Job has been a journey.  As I read through chapter upon chapter of Job's complaining, and his friend's commentary on why God was doing this to him, I was so confused! I didn't know who was right!? Job? His friends? Both sides had some pretty valid points. It was really frustrating... until my little buddy Elihu entered the scene. 

How rad that the person who God uses to speak Truth to Job is just a kid. Kids are awesome. This is one of the truths God had Elihu share with Job. 


"For the godless are full of resentment. Even when He punishes them, they refuse to cry out to Him for help. They die when they are young, after wasting their lives in immoral living. But by means of their suffering, He rescues those who suffer. For He gets their attention through adversity. “God is leading you away from danger, Job, to a place free from distress. He is setting your table with the best food." (Job 36:13-16 NLT)

These words were so enlightening, so true to my heart. Something I feel to be true, but could never put so eloquently and simply to words. I don't even feel that there is much to commentate on. The Word of God speaks for itself, and applies to everyone. I don't think I've ever met someone who does not suffer in one way or another. As a matter of fact, the people I know who have suffered the most, are the most sincere, loving people, straight from the heart of God. 

... and where does that come from? Is it just who they are? I disagree. I believe these rare gems of God's Kingdom are who they are because of the suffering they have endured. 


I have an amazing friend, Ylisa. If you have met her, I am convinced you are a better person because of it. Ylisa has an amazing story of the suffering God has used in her life. She is by far the best shining example of God's glorious goodness, even in suffering. I HIGHLY suggest you check out her book, which you can find here.  The number one thing I learned from Ylisa, is that suffering brings you closer to God than you were before your trial. You become dependent upon Him. (Isn't that where we should all be anyways?) 

God doesn't just leave us in the midst of adversity. He is "leading us away to a place free from distress."  


My sister in law recently found this in a book passed down from her grandpa:

Photo Cred: Elayna Carrillo

"Trials become triumphs. Burdens become wings."

LORD! Thank You for giving us a fresh perspective on suffering. Thank You for providing Job as an example for us and for the Truths You have spoken through young Elihu. Help our hearts and our minds to come into alignment with Yours, especially when we are suffering. Lastly, we lift up our friends and families going through such tragic, unimaginable circumstances and pray for their hearts to cling to You and triumph in You! 

Before you go, please check out my dear friend Chelsea's Facebook page. Chelsea was my roommate in Bible College. In the subject of suffering, the Payne family is going through a journey that they were not expecting a few weeks ago. Her daughter, Taylor (8) was diagnosed with Non Hodgkins Lymphoma and currently undergoing agressive chemotherapy. Please, if you feel led to help them out, we are trying to raise funds for Taylor to get a wig for when she loses her hair. (Donations excepted HERE)

Please, friends, let me know if there is anything you need prayer for or even if you just need to talk.

And as for Job? Well, you'll just have to read the book to find out the ending! I promise its a good one.

Sincerely,

Jen

February Faith

Well... three posts in and I've already neglected my little blog!! Well... I feel like I haven't had much of anything worth throwing out there until the last few days.

My sweet mommy, Ann, started theme words for each month. So far January was "Joy" and February was "Forgiveness." I think the word God has given me is February "faith." (Of course I'm just now learning my word and it is the last day of the month!)

Ephesians 5:16 "Redeem the time because the days are evil"

Now, more than ever, is this ringing in my ears. I know there are a lot of people going through difficult things right now. Our family is battling with cancer, death, drugs, financial hardships, and these are just to name a few. It's heart breaking when I sit down and think of the people I need to be praying for that are going through something really really hard. Maybe there has been a difficult diagnosis of a loved one. Maybe your husband or wife has left. Maybe you have lost your job and are not sure how your bills will be paid. . . God is in control. I know it's hard to trust that in the face of a seemingly impossible or hopeless circumstance.


“God thunders with his voice in marvelous ways; He does great things, and we cannot comprehend. (Job 37:5 LEB)


This verse struck me as I read it. Yes, God is majestic and powerful. Yes, He does great things. But the fact that we don't comprehend those great things is really what stuck out.

When I think of great things I think of things that people do in the name of humanitarianism. The great philanthropists... Oprah giving away a car or a college scholarship... Extreme makeover rebuilding a family's home and paying off their mortgage... These things you look at and say "Wow! That is a great thing!!"

Now, if God is the Leader and Head of all philanthropists, then wouldn't it be right to see the things He is doing and know they are good? It should be obvious, right? It should be something off our wish list on Pinterest or something that would clearly make our life easier ... or money! We all neeeeeed money.

But we do not comprehend. We see what He is doing and we fight against it.

... We fight: like Peter, we slice off the ear of those who have come to take away Christ, not knowing His capture would bring salvation to all. (Luke 22:47-51)

... We doubt if He really knows what He is doing: Like Samuel, when he was told that David, Jesse's youngest and scraggliest son was chosen to be Israel's king. (1 Samuel 16)

... We complain: like the Israelites after they were freed from slavery. (pretty much all of Exodus)

... We disobey His calling: Like Jonah, who ran the opposite way when God asked to minister to the meanest, vilest people of his day. (Jonah)

... We take matters into our own hands: like Abraham, who (twice) told people his wife was his sister in an attempt to keep his family safe. (which did not work BTW... Genesis 20 and Genesis 27) OR the time he tried to fulfill God's promise on his own by trying to conceive a son though a servant girl (Genesis 16) ... Really Abraham!? You're giving us lots of good examples here...

... We walk away: like the rich young ruler, who thought that the cost of following Christ was too much for him to sacrifice. (Matthew 19:16-30)

"We cannot comprehend." It's like God is telling us... "It's ok guys. You're not going to get it. Just trust Me!"

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord . “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways and my thoughts higher than your thoughts. (Isaiah 55:8, 9 NLT)

He's not trying to say we are stupid... He's reminding us that we are little tiny baby sized ants on this big giant world. We cannot see the big picture! (I'm picturing myself like one of the kids in "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" trying to trek my way through this backyard of mud and bugs and giant water drops.)

Today my eyes were opened to this big picture when my husband said to me that he can relate to a child being brought up in an abusive household. It is tragic for any child to have to experience abuse. But to see that Ricky can reach out and help one of these little ones because he himself has traveled this road before really got to me. What a view of grace... to see that God really uses people's hurt and can turn it around for a glorious story of people helping other people! (And yes, God did an amazing work in Ricky's parents, both of which are two of the most loving people I have ever known.)

Often, it's a rainy day. The storms of life are heavy and the constant downpour can be overwhelming. It's so easy to get discouraged!! But remember God's promises when the rain doesn't stop, friends...

“The rain and snow come down from the heavens and stay on the ground to water the earth. They cause the grain to grow, producing seed for the farmer and bread for the hungry. It is the same with my word. I send it out, and it always produces fruit. It will accomplish all I want it to, and it will prosper everywhere I send it. You will live in joy and peace. The mountains and hills will burst into song, and the trees of the field will clap their hands! Where once there were thorns, cypress trees will grow. Where nettles grew, myrtles will sprout up. These events will bring great honor to the L ord ’s name; they will be an everlasting sign of his power and love.” (Isaiah 55:10-13 NLT)

The rain will bring forth fruit and crops and flowers! It won't be in vain, friend! Hold fast to God and remember we probably won't understand the "Why" now... But it will always be for the benefit of us and of others.

Please, friends, let me know if I can pray for you. There is no need to carry your burdens alone.

Sincerely,
Jen