This is a short and sweet piece.
Every time I read the book Job I wonder, "What if his friends said, 'Job, we don't understand why you are going through what you're going through, but we will be here with you. What can we pray for and what can we do for you?'"
I don't presume to know the end of the story had it started out this way, but I know that a response like this one is a wonderful prescription for someone in any kind of pain, whether the pain comes by one's own hand or whether it was unwarranted. I don't have control over the outcome, but do have control in my choices -- will it be a servant's heart, or a judge's heart?
The servant's heart always pleases the Lord. No one knows one's trials more than the one under trial, so a reminder of what may have or actually did cause one's pain only adds more pain.
But some say, "Don't we have to speak up when wrong is done?" Yes, to the one who has injured an innocent party, not to the party injured -- even those who injure themselves are in need of mercy, particularly if they have in the past given mercy to others. They simply need a reminder that they have not been forgotten in their suffering. Christ-like servanthood teaches us mercy, not judmentalism.
I don't know that I've ever really experienced the pain a Job's friend would inflict. I've been blessed to have friends in the Lord who pray with me and build me up in times of trial. There have even been times when God has sent non-believers into my life, but who speak God's wisdom [per the Scriptures I continue studying] unknown to themselves and help me through a trial. In these cases, I cannot reject the non-believer's wisdom, but I consider it in light of Scripture. I also thank God for sending that person into my life at the time with the words I needed. God always wins!
This post is dedicated to all of my family and friends whom God has given me to watch over me, pray for me, speak truth in love and pray with me. I especially dedicate this post to Lisa and Priscilla. You all are gems in my life! May I in turn bless you with the manner in which I go through any trial.
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4 comments:
I have been where Job was in Job 3:26 when he said, "I have no peace, no quietness, I have no rest, but only turmoil." It is then that the peace of God can wash over you and calm your soul. Many blessings as we learn just how Job persevered and how we can learn through his agony.
Que bela reflexão, repleta de sabedoria! Que Deus continue abençoando-a com sua lucidez mental e amor!
Linda,
Thank you so much for your comment! I'll translate for others to read your kind words.
"What a beautiful reflection, replete with wisdom! May God continue to bless you with clarity and love!"
I will endeavor to live up to your words! The Lord has indeed blessed me with wonderful mentors and I hope that one day I can be half of what they've been to me in my life. I will always remember the good times we had growing up and the love our families had for each other!
Angie,
You have been one of my modern day Jobs I pray for. Your faithfulness is a testament to God's work in your life. Love you much and praying God's continued guidance for you and your precious family!
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