Job 2
9 Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die.
10 But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.
Job knew obedience would bring blessing. He loved God and shunned evil.
Do you blame someone or even God for suffering you have to endure? God could say, “Have you seen my servant, Job?” Job was exemplary in keeping his integrity in suffering. He did not blame God. His wife reacted differently to the suffering they endured. Job told her she spoke like a foolish woman. He did not disrespect her and call her foolish. His wife wanted him to give up and leave this difficult situation. Are you maybe a wife like that? Do you want to abort your mission, leave your calling and go on to “another part of the vineyard” as some say? Job did not get infected by his wife’s comment.
Job made a good confession in adversity and was blameless before God. Can that be said of us? This thing is from God. Don’t blame man. Even if you suffer you can be close to God and accept it from His hand. Don’t disappoint God and let other things take you away from your calling e.g. you put your children in your heart and they take the place God should have.
Are you in a state where God can glorify Himself through your life? Job’s friends were wise men. They came and sat with him without talking much. They were just there with him. Do you have good friends? Don’t cling to someone who will hinder God’s working in, and aim for your life. Can you be silent like Jesus before Pilate etc where he said nothing in self-defense.
You blame the devil for bad things happening in your life; you blame political circumstances or your background. Set your eyes on the One who determines your destiny and what heaven intends for your life. What is God’s verdict on your life?
Psalms 19
14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.
Self-pity can be a god to us. You cut yourself off from those who could help you as you cling to your own opinion. Job was different and accepted good and bad from God. He had hope. He knew God would see him through to the end. He trusted that God had a purpose. He knew the one who created his inmost being had in his mercy and grace a plan for him.
Do not lose your integrity and God. You dare not lose track now. Something is happening in heaven that you cannot see.
James 5
10 Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
11 Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.
There is a battle in heaven over your life. Love and obey Him to know His compassion and mercy. God is in charge of our circumstances.
There are different causes of suffering, Whatever the cause don’t blame God or others. Be quiet and wait on God’s deliverance. Be blameless; have godly integrity – no negative thoughts or blame- don’t allow it.
Look up to God and depend on Him.