FAITH REQUIRES TRUST IN GOD, EVEN IN SUFFERING
- Key Verse
“Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him; but I will maintain mine own ways before him.” (Job 13:15)
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
We should put our trust in God, not because of what He might do for or to us, but because of who He is.
Reflections
We just found out that Tim, Beth’s brother, has had to resign his pastoral position at his church due to the debilitating effects of Lyme disease. He can no longer function in the capacity he needs to develop and deliver sermons every week. Not only is Beth grieving her brother’s loss, but she is fearful about Tim’s long-term prognosis and the welfare of his family.
What is our response to God then? Should Beth and I trust God because we think He will heal Tim? Should we have faith in God because we know that Tim is obedient and therefore God will quickly deliver him from his suffering? Do we continue to praise and worship God thinking He will answer our prayers for miraculous healing as if He is some kind of cosmic Santa Clause granting our wishes?
Job tells us how we should respond in the midst of suffering and tragedy. Job 13:15 provides a powerful response, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.” Despite the fact that Job knows God is allowing him to suffer, he still has absolute trust in God. If that isn’t hard enough to comprehend, Job follows with, “but I will maintain mine own ways before him." Wow, does Job trust God or what?! Job says he will continue to praise, worship and be obedient to God. Job will continue, though he doesn’t understand why, and doesn’t see any end to his suffering.
Beth and I are under no delusions; we know that even if Tim’s disease is of Satan, God has allowed it to happen. We know that God can heal Tim quickly and completely, but that does not mean He will. We are struggling right now to trust God as we hand Tim’s life over to Him. But we must base our trust on God--not because He will heal Tim--but because of who He is. We need to trust God with Tim’s life because He deserves to be trusted as the Sovereign Creator of the world and everything in it.
Discussion Questions
1. Do you think that as a Christian, the more godly you become the less suffering you will endure?
2. Do you trust God in the good times AND the bad? Think of a time in your life when you’ve questioned what God is doing in your life or the life of a loved one. In the end, did you praise God or become bitter in your circumstances?
3. Meditate on the words to this song and commit them to God.
Blessed be your name
When I'm found in the desert place
Though I walk through the wilderness
Blessed be your name
Every blessing you pour out
I'll turn back to praise
When the darkness closes in, Lord
Still I will say
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your name
Blessed be the name of the Lord
Blessed be your glorious name!
Chip Smith
March 17, 2010 06:28 AM
Do we trust God? That's the central question, isn't it? Because if I do not put my trust in God, whom or what do I put my trust in? "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding." Proverbs 3:5 Who or what is as trustworthy as God? As the title of your log says, "Faith requires trust in God...." And, "...without faith, it is impossible to please God." Hebrews 11:6 All our reasons for not trusting God are just excuses. Job had become tired of his friends excuses (vs. 13) for there are no valid excuses to not trust God (vs. 12). No matter what is happening in our lives, the central question comes down to, "Do I trust Thee, O LORD." Great log this morning, Steve. Thank you.
Jim Kirchner
March 17, 2010 07:08 AM
Steve - thanks for sharing your story. We join your prayers for Tim and family. It was good meeting you in Journeymen & hope to see you at church soon. Blessings!
Sol Skaff
March 17, 2010 08:43 AM
Hi Steve - thank you for sharing this part of your life and faith with us. Your insights into how to handle the seeming contradiction of a benevolant God and the suffering of people were right on the mark. May God bless you and your family as you struggle through this in the light, and I join you in lifting Tim up to our Father for healing.
Mike Bernoski
March 17, 2010 08:55 AM
Steve, Thanks for sharing! I have a lot of experience with chronic Lymes and have seen many successes. It is a disease as you may know that is not well understood by the medical community. Please let me know if It would be helpfull for me to share some knowledge about specialized doctors with experience and treatment options. Mike@Bernoski.net
Eric Brauel
March 17, 2010 09:49 AM
Steve, Thank you for your story this morning. I have recently lost my brother-in-law and am preparing to go to California at the end of the week to speak at his funeral. Your words and insights have reminded me of the nature of the God we serve. To God be the glory!
Bob A King
March 17, 2010 11:21 AM
Steve, I will pray for Beth's brother and thank you for sharing this trial your entire family is walking through. We are teaching a series entitled, "Why do bad things happen to good people?" and your devotional comes at exactly the right time. May you all experience God's power and provision.
Lisa Shaw
March 17, 2010 03:38 PM
Steve, Life ican be tough. I appreciate your wisdom and insight into this passage. I join with others in praying for Beth's brother.
Pete Eisele
March 17, 2010 05:54 PM
Just wanted Steve to know his message was used today by the Holy Spirit. I don't often take the time to read these but today I did yours. God is dealing with me on this issue and your situation hit home and confirmed the Lords desire for my total trusting of his love and plan for my life. Thank you Steve, you blessed a total stranger today without even knowing it!
Nathan D'Souza
March 18, 2010 08:11 AM
Hi Steve, Thanks for the sharing. I too have often been blessed by this particular revelation of God that Job enjoyed. In line with this I have often also been questioned as to whether I have a soul or whether I am a soul. When God said I am made in His image I know it's not the limbs and nose and toes that He's talking about but the capacity to love, forgive, endure and rejoice. Yes God does look after what He has attached to us - our bodies but that He knows will pass away. It's the soul - (you, Tim, me) - that God is most interested in. It's the soul that will have eternal life. Love Nathan
Diana
March 18, 2010 08:42 AM
Steve Very profound analysis. How courageous was Job's unwavering faith and his example for us to follow! I will pray for Tim and his family