I was doing a word study on HOPE recently, and I found this verse from Job 13:15:
Though He slay me, still I will hope in Him. Nevertheless, I will argue my ways before Him.
We all know the story of Job: God had allowed the enemy to take all of his prized possessions from him... ALL of his children were killed, his houses were destroyed and all of his material possessions and slaves were gone. Satan even took away his health (I've always found it interesting that nothing ever happened to his wife. She stuck around to nag poor Job).
So, in the midst of every imaginable earthly tragedy, Job declares that even if God goes one step further and kills him, his faith will remain intact. I have to admit, I've wondered what I would do in the face of tragedy. Whenever we sing certain songs at church ("Forever I'll love you, Forever I'll stand)... I have a hard time. Will I? What if that popular theory is wrong... the one about the believers being taken up to heaven BEFORE the tribulation? In the midst of all the Bible says will occur in those times, would I be one whose "heart is hardened"?
But Job knows - he knows with certainty, because he's in the middle of it all. He can claim that even if God kills him, he'll still believe, because he's already experienced things far worse than death... and his hope is still in the One and Only.
So, the part I really love is the next line... "Nevertheless, I will argue my ways before Him."
After declaring his unwaivering faith, Job follows up with a big BUT. "I will love You forever, LORD, but I'm still going to pour out my complaint to you because I want my situation to CHANGE!"
It's as if he's saying, "I love You, LORD, but I don't like what You're doing."
How many times has this been EXACTLY what I've felt? And here is the incredibly faithful Job saying it perfectly for me.
3 comments:
SO true...great post. Thanks for sharing.
Leigh, you are just so special! God has gifted you with a way with words. Thank you for sharing with us.
Enjoy some time to yourself with your boys in school and I just know that God is going to give you a special area of ministry that will bless others and you, too.
I am 45 and just put my baby in 1st grade. All these other parents came in with their baby carriers and strollers and younger siblings. My first thought was ,"Oh, my, what am I doing here?" Then I thought of what a special gift my Heath is even if I am the oldest mom at the Mom's meetings!!
Being 40 is COOL!
THANK you for sharing that!
The "teaching of my raising" was that one should not ask God impertinent questions. That never made sense to me. If he loves us and desires an honest heart connection, then how can we not be open with Him when something hurts desperately?
I really appreciate you pointing out how Job was faithful even in the midst of his pain and his questions.
Yours because His,
Lynn
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