After the Avalanche, Part Two

Could it be that you are beginning to feel the nick of falling rocks? Maybe the avalanche has already fallen and you’re more than a little desperate. Job is our model for staying faithful when life is reduced to rubble. How’d he do it? Let’s take a look. First, Job claimed God’s loving sovereignty. He sincerely believed that the Lord who gave had every right to take away (Job 1:21).

Lifelines

I’m writing these words [originally] soon after my birthday. No big deal . . . just another stabbing realization that I’m not getting any younger. I know that because the cake won’t hold all the candles. Even if it could the frosting would melt before I’d be able to blow all of them out. My kind and thoughtful secretary reminded me of another approach I could take.

Blessed

Did you read that too quickly? The end of verse 9? Mark it. “The LORD accepted.” And then, “The LORD restored.” End of verse 10, “The LORD increased.” Beginning of verse 12, “The LORD blessed.” Those are words of grace—statements of divine favor.

Choose God’s Will

A major goal of wholesome, healthy Christians is the hope of reaching maturity before death overtakes us. I will tell you without hesitation that one of my major goals in life is to grow up as I grow older.

Staying Young

I‘d like to offer several tips on how to stay young. Number one: Your mind isn’t old, keep developing it. Watch less television and read more. Spend time with people who talk about events and ideas rather than sitting around a shop talking about people.

Found Faithful

If you return to Job 1:3, you can read what Job originally owned. He had 7,000 sheep, and he winds up with 14,000. So his flocks grow as he feeds them and breeds them. Their numbers increase to twice the original flock.

God’s Justice

I find at least two enduring truths for us as I think through these closing scenes in Job’s story. First, forgiveness is worth asking for. If there’s something that has come between you and your heavenly Father, why wait at a distance?

God Hears

When the day of reckoning arrives, God is always fair. He blesses those who have walked with Him. He forgives those who bring their offerings and humble themselves before Him. God restores. God rewards. God heals. God honors Job.

Humble Yourself Now

Take special notice of Job’s words. He does not reply, “I’ve got an argument here.” On the contrary, He says, “I retract and repent.” There’s no divine force. There’s no threatening rebuke from God.

Incapable of Comprehending

God’s plans are beyond our understanding and too deep to explain. Perhaps God doesn’t explain Himself because knowing and understanding His way may not help us all that much. Stop and ask yourself: Does knowing why really help?

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