Job 23: 10 – 12 10But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. 11My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside. 12I have not departed from the commands of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.
In reading the account of Job I wonder how many of us would have managed to withstand everything that he had encountered. There was a time when we as a family suffered tremendous loss in a very short period of time. The season of pain started with losing my father, six months later losing my brother, shortly after my father in law, followed by my mother in law, concluding with losing another brother in a eighteen months period of time. It felt like every time we got up, there was another blow. When would life be normal again? What is normal? During this time of grieving it seemed as if pain, broken hearts was the normal. In spite of all of this pain, we could rely on that God was always present.
To our natural selves, there are times that our circumstance can scream louder than our faith, but Job reminds us that “we shall come forth as gold”. Knowing that the purest of gold is purest because of the fire it withstood. The purest of gold shines brighter and has greater value!
The increase of value brings the dependence upon God. We see how much Job depended upon God for his direction and realizing what he treasured. In verse 11 we see Job following after God. It reminds me of walking in the snow and making sure to placing my feet in the shoe prints laid out before me. The good Lord knows to waver off the path is sure to take me into a deep mess! Wisdom would always be to go into the sure, traveled path.
Job figured it out. It isn’t the why the suffering took place but what do you do during the times of suffering and loss. Following close to God I have found that I am truly dependent upon Him. His Words of comfort and direction serve as a healing balm. Oh how I treasure His Words!
Father, help me to always remember that even when circumstances seem to be too much that you are more than enough. You are bigger than what ever the enemy can serve up. Thank you for showing me that you can take all my mess to use it for a greater purpose. Thank you for always leaving your footprints behind so I can follow after you! -ButGod