THE COST OF LIVING

Woe is Me !

The innocent by-stander, caught in the line of fire, collateral damage, wrong place at the wrong time, and many such statements indicate that someone has suffered a loss that is undeserved.

It is only after you have been the recipient of such a happening that the full meaning becomes evident.

Job 1:1 There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job.

Most everyone has heard of this man even if it was in a saying like; “Poor as Job’s turkey.”

This man was called upright by GOD Himself, but was caught in the line of fire so to speak. It was one of the few times when Satan held center stage and the man Job was a ploy used by both sides. The right or wrong, fair or unfair didn’t enter into the equation it was a trust issue; GOD felt HE could trust Job and the contest was on.

You cannot read of JOB’S trial without feeling his pain on three levels; spiritually, physically and emotionally.

His first response was one of disbelief, nothing made any sense. As he sought some understanding his mind was hard pressed and desperation was the order of the day.

Job sitting in Ashes and His Wife
courtesy Bible Illustrations

While he was in torment, his wife’s best advice was “Curse GOD and die.”

His friends could only conclude that he was harboring some secret sin and was being judged for it.

As one has suggested everyone should read the book of Job once a year for each time you will find a different truth for you. In the end Job was justified by his words.

Job 1:22 In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.

Crystal Godfrey says it succinctly; if you live long enough, you will encounter bad times. It doesn’t matter what country you live in, or what cultural or ethnic background you come from, you will face trouble in this life.

In John 16:33, Jesus tells his disciples, "In the world ye shall have tribulation." 

So, it is not a question of if you will go through bad times but when you will go through bad times.

The question is how will you respond when evil times come upon you?

Each one of us must answer this question for ourselves, one way or another.

Job plumbed the depths of possibility and probability. The outcome was his understanding that GOD is supreme and sovereign and his acceptance of that freed him from the feeling that he was equal to HIM. It is only when we keep perspective in focus that our relationship with GOD can flourish.

One gets the sense that Job found the secret to living and that is to separate the processes of life whether good or bad from his relationship with GOD. While good times, bad times may come and go, one’s relationship with GOD should remain the same. Rich or poor, sick or well, success or failure, if we allow them they will affect our relationship with HIM.

Paul wrote to the Philippian church; Philippians 4:12-13  I know how to get along with humble means, and I also know how to live in prosperity; in any and every circumstance I have learned the secret of being filled and going hungry, both of having abundance and suffering need. I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.

Paul did not let present circumstances affect his faith and hope in GOD and change his ongoing relationship with HIM.

I reckon what was good enough for Paul the same ought to work for me.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FR_bds86Ujg&feature=related


This post has been linked to Laura’s, Brag on God Fridays