JOB’S EXPERIENCE

Reading: Job 42

 

Job faced tremendous trials – far greater than any we probably will encounter in our lifetime. Yet there is strong evidence that he remained true to the Lord:

·         “Then he fell to the ground in worship, saying, ‘May the name of the Lord be praised (Job 1:20-21).’”

·         “In all this, Job did not sin in what he said (Job 2:10).”

·         “Though He slay me, yet will I hope in Him (Job 13:15).”

 

And the result of Job’s great faith? “God blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the first (Job 42:12).” That is, he experienced more of God – His presence, His blessing, His provision, His restoration – as Job came through suffering to the other side.

 

How did Job come to experience more of God and His blessings?

 

·         He recognized God’s ability to do anything (vs 2)

·         He confessed his inability to understand God and His ways (vs 3)

·         He confessed speaking of things about which he had no knowledge (vs 3)

·         He saw God, not just heard about Him from someone else (vs 5)

·         He interceded for others, and saw God answer (vs 10)

 

Let us take note and do the same, that we also may experience God more deeply.

 

Thank you, Father, for recording this part of Job’s life for us to see and be reminded that Your ways are beyond our comprehension, but, by faith, we can see You and trust that Your ways are good. Amen.

FAITHFULNESS: NO SMALL THING

Reading for today:  Genesis 39:4-6

 

Joseph had great administrative talent.  He instinctively knew how to manage people and their possessions.  It must have been quite obvious to those around him because it didn’t take long for people in authority to appoint him as overseer of their domains.

In our reading for today, we see the first example of this.  Potiphar made Joseph his personal servant and shortly thereafter, appointed him overseer of what Potiphar owned: his other servants, his household, his land – everything.

 

Joseph could have taken advantage of his position, lording it over other servants, quietly pilfering money or Potiphar’s possessions; even his master’s wife could be his.  Who would know?  His master “left everything he owned in Joseph’s charge…and he did not concern himself with anything…” (vs 6).  He wouldn’t check up on Joseph – he trusted him implicitly.  Why not take advantage, Joseph?  Why not grab something for yourself?  The answer?  He trusted His God for outcomes, as he faithfully served wherever God planted him.  The Lord was with Joseph, others noticed God’s blessing on his life; and he found favor with those over him: Potiphar, the chief jailer, Pharaoh.  

Jesus said, “The one who is faithful in the little things will be faithful in the big things…” (Luke 16:10, Phillips).  That certainly played out in Joseph‘s life – he began by overseeing one man’s household, and wound up running an entire nation! (See Genesis 41:33-44 for how this occurred)

 

Now, I don’t think that God has in mind for you and me to someday be a ruler of a nation, but does He not want us to be faithful in small ways so that He might use us in larger ways?  How are we doing in the faithfulness category of our lives: in finances, in relationships, in use of our time? 

 

Dear Lord, we are grateful for examples of faithfulness like Joseph.  Show us as we do a careful self-check where we may not be trustworthy.  Help us be faithful and true to You in even the smallest things in our lives.  Amen.