THE DEFENSE RESTS
- Key Verse
- "Oh, that I had someone to hear me! I sign now my defense - let the Almighty answer me; let my accuser put his indictment in writing." (Job 31:35)
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
Job defends his integrity and invites God and his friends to tell him what he has done wrong.
Reflections
Job has a long list of if-then's in Chapter 31. Job didn't suffer all the heartache because he lacked integrity, but because God allowed it and wanted Job to grow even deeper in his relationship with Him. Many times I have found myself in painful situations and didn't know why God allowed me to be there. What did I do wrong? Why am I being punished? Why me?Our first years of marriage were highly stressful because of family situations. Why me? 11 years ago my husband felt called into ministry - I did not. Why me? We sold a beautiful home and cut our income in half. Why me? We experienced some heartbreaking issues with our children. Why me? I struggled in relationships and experienced heartache. Why me?
Many times I had my "dukes" up defending myself, ready to fight. I didn't want anyone to think that my integrity was lacking - that would make me less than perfect. :) It took me a lot of years to see and understand that God is constantly nudging/pushing me to grow me into a deeper relationship with Him. He wants me to run to Him. He wants to refine my character, to teach me to love others the way He does and to love Him with wild abandon. I have learned to quit asking, "Why me?" and ask, "God, what do you want me to learn, and how do you want me to grow in You?"
I have a long way to go (it's like peeling a never-ending onion), but my heart has softened. I don't judge others the way I used to. I am more understanding because God has allowed me to go through painful situations. I have learned to be content with what I have (most of the time) because I now understand He wants me to use all I have for Him.
God, what do you want me to learn today? I rest my defense and rest in You.
Discussion Questions
1. What situations or issues are you dealing with or have you dealt with that have you questioning, "Why me?"2. Who have you been judging by viewing their life from afar? (e.g. "If they had disciplined their kids or had them in D-groups they wouldn't be so wild."; "She is mean so stay away from her," etc.)
3. What does God want to change in me - attitude, lifestyle, how I use my gifting and/or treasures for Him, etc.?
4. Ask God to show you what He wants you to learn today. Are you ready?
Comments
The views expressed under “Comments” are solely
those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Hill Country Bible Church NW.
Mark Sutton
April 12, 2010 04:05 AM
Vicki, What a beautiful picture you drew for me this morning. He wants me to run to Him and ask, "God, what do you want me to learn, and how do you want me to grow in You?" Thanks!
Chip Smith
April 12, 2010 06:24 AM
As I read through this chapter, I am amazed at how righteous Job really is. His perspective of his position in this world amazes me. Just think what this world would be like if it were full of people like Job. He inspires me. Your words this morning Vicki, are an encouragement to me. But not only your words, but your life as well. Both have exampled to me a heart after God. A person in the pursuit of a deeper relationship with God and others. You and Rick have inspired many, me included. I too, like you, have done the "Why me?" in the past and it has only been recently that I have come to a place of gratefulness for the growth in my life through the pain. Thank you and have a great week.
daren
April 12, 2010 06:43 AM
Thanks, Vicki. Great devotional. I love this part: "my heart has softened. I don't judge others the way I used to. I am more understanding because God has allowed me to go through painful situations. I have learned to be content with what I have". What a great design for what Jesus taught us to be... I'm trying to get there, too.
Debbie LoSurdo
April 12, 2010 07:22 AM
Vicki, Thanks for sharing! You gave me great insight and encouragement. Life is not always easy, but God is ALWAYS good! Love ya, Deb
Jim Baker
April 12, 2010 07:58 AM
Thank you for Join the Journey. I look forward to it each morning. The scriptures certainly help me in my walk with the LORD.
Tim Hawks
April 12, 2010 08:05 AM
Vicki, great thoughts on this chapter which was convicting enough in itself. Life and children do have a way of making us tender to the struggles people face. Job was asking for justice. I am asking for mercy!!
Cathy
April 12, 2010 09:22 AM
Sometimes I play the "Why me" game, too, and long for an ideal life without any painful parts. Thanks for your words I can relate to and reminding me to continue to seek God for a changed attitude and appreciation of the gifts and "opportunities" for service he has given me.
Laurie Carlson
April 12, 2010 10:11 AM
Thanks Vicki, it's amazing how "Job-like" I can be, relying on my "righteousness" and not so much on His Goodness. I'm thankful for your reminder that trials serve a refining purpose and I am sorely in need of refining every day!
Linda Jean Butler
April 12, 2010 02:33 PM
I have been asking "Why me?" a lot lately. That often leads to the "poor me" syndrome, which is even more self indulgent! God keeps picking me up and I thank you for the reminder that I need only to rest in Him.
dee b
April 13, 2010 12:08 AM
Vicki..thank you for the reminder that i don't have to "put up my dukes" anymore!!That God is my defense, that HE is my justice..and that HE is all i need for peace and rest. Great job!