Suggested Bible Reading: Job 1-5
This year I am reading through the Bible in a more chronological approach. It will seem a bit disjointed from time to time if you are following my reading schedule. However, I believe there are some tremendous benefits to following the events of scripture chronologically.
You have no doubt heard someone warn, “Do not pray for patience!” Because James 1 is very clear that trials are what God uses to teach us patience and create endurance. Therefore, to ask for patience is to invite trials into our lives. Many people have heard about Job and his trials; but not many people understand what those trials were all about and what God was trying to accomplish. Nor do they realize that Job suffered as he did so that God’s people today might learn from his experiences how to be patient in suffering and endure to the end. We live in the day of instant everything. We love fast food, drive through prescriptions, speedy print, and express care. No one wants to wait for anything and we have created a society where we rarely need to wait. Therefore, the things that demand endurance, patience, or extended involvement are looked upon as inconvenient. Unfortunately, this is how many people view trials. However, it would be helpful for us to see trials as part of God’s plan to make us healthy Christians. The trials God brings into our lives are never meant to harm, frustrate, or defeat us, but rather to increase our stamina, strength, and faith. Job teaches us about getting our eyes off of our problems, our world, and ourselves and put our eyes on the Lord, His goals, and on eternity. As you think about the trials you have faced, are facing, or will face, I trust that two things will be accomplished in your life: (1) you will learn to be patient in your own trials, and (2) you will learn how to help others in their trials. Our world is filled with people who need encouragement, and God may be preparing each of us for just that ministry. May God be able to say of us what He was able to say of Job, “There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.” (1:1)
Prayer Requests:
• Lord, please help me to view the trials of life through your eyes. May I always remember you love me, care for me, and promise me that with your help I can have the right attitude through any trial.
• Lord, please help me to grow through trials. Please help me to see the eternal value and the spiritual good in every situation as you work all things together for my good.
• Lord, please help me to not waste the lessons you teach me through trials, but please help me to be willing to share those lessons and invest in others who need encouragement.