If you haven’t read the book of Job, I encourage you to read it. Especially given today’s social climate in the US. Seriously, read it… I will wait. But before you go – read all of it. Don’t stop before the end. As painful as Job’s situation is, keep reading. Because the last eight verses are the best part, but you cannot appreciate the wonderful ending without enduring the pain of the first forty-one chapters.
Job was a man that has really been through it. We read forty-one chapters of pleading with God, almost arguing with God about the trials Job faced. He lost everything and everyone. On the brink of death and full of suffering, Job’s friends try to convince him that he has sinned beyond repair and the God has forsaken him. Yet, Job’s faith does not waiver. He stays committed to worshiping God. It is really a painful and cringe worthy forty-one chapters of back and forth that leaves you hurting for Job and his struggles.
Then, in chapter forty-two, Job’s faith and repentance is rewarded with a latter part of life blessed far greater than the former part (before he lost everything). He was rewarded with twice as much, in fact. Job lived long enough to see four generations beyond his children, and died a wealthy man full of years. And given the pain and suffering that he endured, I guarantee Job died grateful for each blessing.
Every life has a calling. Every generation has a turning point. In a time that may seem like we are being pummeled with political unrest, a world wide pandemics, and social injustices – maybe these are the pain and suffering that we must endure. Maybe this is our rock bottom. Maybe this is what will cause us to fall to our knees. And maybe while we are there we will realize that this is the position that summons all of the strength we need. While we are in this position, we can pray to the only One who can bless this mess.
We will not always understand the path that God paves for us. We may never understand the obstacles and trials that we encounter along His path. We may question Him throughout our journey. But we can be assured that, if we stay faithful and connected, the destination with be worth every single step.
I believe we are in the midst of a revelation. And while I wish that nobody had to suffer for us to realize the solution, I am grateful for their sacrifice. Just like the book of Job – we have had to endure forty-one chapters of pain and suffering. But if we dig in and stay faithful though this trial – chapter forty-two will be the blessing that God has created for His children, and that will be better than we can ever imagine.
Dadvotionals 