Blackaby's entry for today begins with talking about Job. That in his day, Job was the most righteous man alive. Think about that. The most among what, a few billion or so people? To the tune that it really irritated Satan. Satan intended to break Job just to deal a blow to the Lord. However, other Scripture was proven true. What Satan means for evil God can turn around for good.
Job, in all his life, thought he knew God.
Job, in this book we read, learned about God.
Are we really any different? I sometimes consider that growing in Christ can be like dieting in reverse. You are growing, but can still plateau in your growth.
There's been times when I have felt like the Disciples in a boat. My oars are in the water but I wasn't making any headway.
Or I took the oars out of the water and drifted, wondering if that was what I was supposed to do. Just trust the Spiritual current of the waters that I was in.
Maybe it's true, maybe it isn't, but I think more growth has happened with me when I let go of what I want. There's things that I want and things that I need. We live in a world where practically anything can be on my doorstep in 2 days. 50 years ago the concept of that was impossible.
We can download an entire Bible in less than 30 seconds on a mobile phone. Even less on a computer. It took thousands of years to write.
We need, we want, we likely never prayed first concerning the getting.
It's no wonder people see no need for God. Their desires are met without Him. At least that's their point of view.
They don't realize how much of this instantaneous society is a result of His provision.
But the urge to want, want, want, can and will blind you to what you need.
Ever really notice how the Disciples had but one want and need? Their relationship with Jesus. Satan noticed. He tried to get them to take on more than they were capable of and Jesus put the brakes on them. They were only beginning to learn what the Spiritual world was about. They knew not what they were asking. Do we do any different? We beg and ask God for things, for favors if you will, in hopes of being made happy. Funny how that's exactly how Jesus describes coming to Him, as a child. Children do not thinking beyond the moment. They see they want. Or they have and want more.
The nuggets of the most valuable of commodities is your understanding and growth in Christ. What you learn of God, what you know of Him is what shapes you.
Not who wins what game. Not who is in what movie or television show. Celebrities mean nothing in God's eyes. Sports means nothing in God's eyes. Hobbies, everything and anything means nothing in God's eyes short of your relationship with Jesus.
There's a lot in the New Testament about learning learning learning about Jesus. To be filled up in the knowledge of Him.
We often exchange this world for that learning time with Jesus. You don't think Job had better things to do than go through what he did? He sure thought so at first. It wasn't until the end of his ordeal that he understood. Only 1 of his friends wasn't rebuked for their behavior and treatment of Job. The youngest. God never left Job in all he went through.
I think if a MercyMe song with these lines in it...
"Don't know what you've been told
Don't know what you've been through all I know is my God will never let go of you"
I have been through much in my life. Highs and lows that I never thought I'd live through. I can relate to Psalms 23. Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I will fear no evil.
In everything that Satan tries to hit us with, God will always use it to deepen our love and relationship with Jesus.
Know of people who seem so fallen away from God that it would take a miracle to save them? Pray. Here's your eye opening statement. It took a miracle to save you.
As long as those who you care about are breathing there is hope for them. Always.
Scripture says that the fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. So are you just wallowing in sadness over those who you care about or are you praying for them? Are you sitting in worry or are you praying for them? Worry is a prayer with no direction. Give it a direction. Up.
Hand it to Jesus a thousand times a day if you have to. He created the Universe. He arose from the dead. He can handle your requests for people.
Live your life in such a way that people will ask you why. Use that opportunity to tell them of the great things that God has done for you.
Get your priorities in order. None of what you have will go with you when you die. Don't live your life in pursuit of things. Don't waste your passion on things.
Scripture says that He who knows the good he ought to do and does not do it, sins.
It also says that all that we do should be to the glory of God.
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, mind, soul and Spirit. Love your neighbor as yourself.
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