Christianity Oasis Forum

[Lani]

Job 1:1-5
1 There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.
2 And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters.
3 His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east.
4 And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them.
5 And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.

Job 2:1-9
1 Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them to present himself before the LORD.
2 And the LORD said unto Satan, From whence comest thou? And Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.
3 And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.
4 And Satan answered the LORD, and said, Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life.
5 But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face.
6 And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life.
7 So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown.
8 And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat down among the ashes.
9 Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die.



Indeed we call blessed those who showed endurance. You have heard of the endurance of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful. James 5:11 (NRSV)



The book of Job presents "a man who was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil" (Job1:1) This book from the Bible was especially meaningful to me during the time when I was diagnosed with cancer and required surgery. I didn't know if the surgery would be successful or if it was to late. Thus it was important for me to keep peace in my heart, and the Book of Job inspired me.

Until my experience with cancer, I thought I knew the Book of Job well. But now reading it was different; I was reading the same words, but they were telling me a new story about physical pain and spiritual victory. I identified with Job, attacked on many fronts, and I decided to adopt his attitude. When the crisis threatened me, I read the Bible; and Job's example strengthened my spirit and helped me to overcome the pain and to survive.

This experience happened many years ago. The scars from the physical ordeal have disappeared. However, even today Job's example of refusing to give up in his relationship with God continues to help me in difficult situations.



Prayer: Thank you, Lord, that every time we trust you and seek your help, you hear our prayers. Thank you for the wonderful examples of confidence and strong faith we discover in the Bible. Amen.


Prayer Focus of Day: Those being treated for cancer

Thought for the Day: In difficult situations, how can we trust and wait for God's help?


Story shared by: A. Kochevska (Bulgaria)
Source: Upper Room Daily Devotional 7/3/11