SEEING IS BELIEVING
- Key Verse
"My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you." (Job 42:5)
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
Seeing God personally leads us to a higher view of Him and a humble view of ourselves. God often uses painful situations in our lives to bring us closer to Him.
Reflections
This has been a painful few months for our family.
One of my closest and dearest friends of 30 years was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. I couldn't have been more upset if it had been my own sister. A few weeks later, this same friend's husband was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. They were also in financial difficulty and would soon lose their home.
I could hardly stand it! For days after I heard the news, I was very sad and felt in a dark place. Then, I suddenly woke up and questioned myself: "Do I really believe what I know about God? Do I really believe His Word and His promises?" If so, it was time to start acting like it!
I do believe in God's promises. I do believe His Word is true and life giving. Although I was still sad for my friends, I was immediately comforted by trusting in Him and in His infinite love for His children.
I no longer feel the despair I did a few months ago. I have replaced it with trust. Best of all, since I took my eyes off myself, I have been able to help (I pray) my friends who need so much support right now.
We will all face difficult situations at some point in our lives. How we respond to them is in direct proportion to how well we see, know and trust God. A seemingly hopeless situation provides a perfect backdrop for God’s glory to be displayed.
God is too good to be unkind.
God is too wise to be mistaken.
When you can't see His plan,
When you don't understand,
When you can't trace His Hand,
Trust His heart.
Discussion Questions
1. When you study scripture do you often look for God's attributes in the passages? What attributes of God do you find in Job 42? How does this help you “see” Him more clearly?
2. What is your present difficult situation? Are you responding in fear or in faith?
3. How can you help someone who is going through difficulties and/or tragedy know and trust God?
Chip Smith
April 27, 2010 06:27 AM
Hello Linda! This is the last chapter of Job. Wow! What a journey it has been, hasn't it? If someone was to ask me what is my favorite chapter in the Bible, Job would be way down on my list. However, this JTJ has proven to be the most revelatory for me. As if to add an exclamation point to this part of our journey through Job, I was in the hospital last week. It was so serious that before I went in, I went over with my beautiful wife, Diana, how to gain access to financials and documents. You see, I have been going through a Job crisis of my own. As I lay in emergency, my wife and my good friend, Jerry, who left work, sat and prayed with me. Terry and my band of brothers from HCBC NW called and went into a prayer vigil for me. That night, my mom, Lorraine, skipped her dance with her date, Jack and they both came to the hospital. Soon after their arrival, my entire Real Life Group showed up and together filled my hospital room with their prayers and the presence of the Almighty! After they left and a little past midnight, God sovereignly healed me. That same morning with my son, Trevor, we rejoiced and planned the future as all tests came back normal and I was released to go home that very afternoon! As I read Job 42 and your wonderful JTJ today, I realize that I too am in the last half of my life, healed, surrounded, loved, and a new person with a deeper understanding of just how trustworthy and sovereign God really is. Have a great day.
Thom Kurtz
April 27, 2010 07:13 AM
Hi Linda, Lately I find myself often in places where I want to serve someone in need, but am limited in time by other commitments, or resources by the cost or other needs involved. So I am trying to always put my faith in God's will and just praying for them, as I believe I can get into my "prayer closet" almost without limit, and there I am only limited by God's grace and glory, which, of course, is unlimited. Does it make sense ? Then I am only limited by my own faith and choice to pray. He is so good, that it makes it easier over time to just rely on Him for all. Thanks, Linda, for sharing with us and your insight for us this morning.
Kathy Dietz
April 27, 2010 08:33 AM
Great job and so true! This seems to me our path right now, Trust God, so thanks for the encouragement. And how exciting, two more grandkids!!!
Ann LaLanne
April 27, 2010 10:50 AM
Great job Linda! Praise God that you chose to trust God in the middle of this trial and remember His love and faithfulness to serve those in need despite our feelings of overwhelming sadness.
Denise Burns
April 27, 2010 10:52 AM
Love your devotional....especially the last part - SO VERY TRUE!
Bob A. King
April 29, 2010 07:12 AM
Great devotional, Linda. You have the right perspective: while looking inward it's pretty hard to minister outward. When we look upward to the Lord we are able to serve outward for others and have inward peace. Where did you get that poem. It's great, especially the 1st two lines. PS: Are you up to a ping pong challenge?