Job's Confession
I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.
Job 42:3
At difficult times in our lives, God can seem distant or disinterested in our plight. That’s because our human emotions can override trust in God’s truth, and we can come to believe that no desirable outcome to our present situation exists.
Job, however, shows us that with endurance and patience we can learn whatever lessons God wants us to learn. It was that very trust that caused him to glorify God at the conclusion to his time of suffering: “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You. Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes”(Job 42:5-6).
As a result of patience and unwavering trust during his long ordeal, Job gained a new understanding of his sovereign God and a greater reassurance of the joys of being dealt with as one of His children.
MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 298). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.
Lessons Learned: The strength of our trust in God is dependent on our faith. God's attributes and abilities are constant. They are unfailing and omnipotent. But, when our faith is weak, we may begin to question God and His sovereignty. When we are suffering through trials and difficult times, we may wonder if God is still with us. He is, and if we had enough faith we would recognize that He is always there. We must be like Job and persevere through hardship without blaming God. "'Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?' In all this, Job did not sin in what he said" (Job 2:10). Job confesses that he doesn't understand what God understands and admits that it was improper for him to question God's motives. He humbly acknowledges his own impotence and God's sovereignty(Job 42:1-6). We too, like Job, must have true faith which begins with such humility.
Applications: Despite any hardships and suffering, always maintain faith in God's goodness and mercy. Because we are weak, our feelings of trust in God may waver. But no matter what, do not question God's motives or sovereignty, otherwise you commit the sin of pride thinking that you can perform better than God. If you do question Him, confess and repent as Job did. And most importantly, do not let your doubt cause you to lose true faith in God in your heart. Maintain your faith by doing God's word and believing in His promises.
Prayer Subjects: Pray for a true, heartfelt trust in God. Pray that I would be able to maintain my faith despite any feelings which may be influenced by difficult circumstances. Pray that I would be like Job and that I would never blame God, but that I would trust in His sovereignty and the ultimate good of everything that He ordains.
Listen to this entry
Job 42:3
At difficult times in our lives, God can seem distant or disinterested in our plight. That’s because our human emotions can override trust in God’s truth, and we can come to believe that no desirable outcome to our present situation exists.
Job, however, shows us that with endurance and patience we can learn whatever lessons God wants us to learn. It was that very trust that caused him to glorify God at the conclusion to his time of suffering: “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You. Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes”(Job 42:5-6).
As a result of patience and unwavering trust during his long ordeal, Job gained a new understanding of his sovereign God and a greater reassurance of the joys of being dealt with as one of His children.
MacArthur, J. (2001). Truth for today : A daily touch of God's grace (Page 298). Nashville, Tenn.: J. Countryman.
Lessons Learned: The strength of our trust in God is dependent on our faith. God's attributes and abilities are constant. They are unfailing and omnipotent. But, when our faith is weak, we may begin to question God and His sovereignty. When we are suffering through trials and difficult times, we may wonder if God is still with us. He is, and if we had enough faith we would recognize that He is always there. We must be like Job and persevere through hardship without blaming God. "'Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?' In all this, Job did not sin in what he said" (Job 2:10). Job confesses that he doesn't understand what God understands and admits that it was improper for him to question God's motives. He humbly acknowledges his own impotence and God's sovereignty(Job 42:1-6). We too, like Job, must have true faith which begins with such humility.
Applications: Despite any hardships and suffering, always maintain faith in God's goodness and mercy. Because we are weak, our feelings of trust in God may waver. But no matter what, do not question God's motives or sovereignty, otherwise you commit the sin of pride thinking that you can perform better than God. If you do question Him, confess and repent as Job did. And most importantly, do not let your doubt cause you to lose true faith in God in your heart. Maintain your faith by doing God's word and believing in His promises.
Prayer Subjects: Pray for a true, heartfelt trust in God. Pray that I would be able to maintain my faith despite any feelings which may be influenced by difficult circumstances. Pray that I would be like Job and that I would never blame God, but that I would trust in His sovereignty and the ultimate good of everything that He ordains.
Listen to this entry
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