Sit

Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and nights. No one said a word to Job, for they saw that his suffering was too great for words. Job 2:13 (NLT)

Did you know that the book of Job is one of the oldest books of the Old Testament? In my Read-through-the-Bible-Chronologically commitment, Job has been my assignment for the past few days. After reading Genesis, which records the stories of the Patriarchs ending with Joseph's story of reconciliation and promise, Job's trials jolted me back to reality. The story begins with a jealous Satan taunting God that the only reason that Job feared Him was because of his prosperous life. God decided to allow Satan to test him because He knew Job's character and believed he was a man of integrity. Tragedy ensued and Job lost everything that was dear to him except a bitter wife. He suffered from horrible health issues so that those who knew this well respected man began to slink back in the shadows in embarrassment…except for three "friends." I use that term loosely because their actions and counsel left a lot to be desired. Yet, they started out great. These three guys heard about Job's mess and traveled to his home to comfort him. They quickly assessed his pain and grief and just sat with him for seven days. Words were unnecessary. I know that in the midst of great pain, there is nothing like someone taking hold of your hands and looking you in the eyes. This simple act of touch conveys volumes of sympathy and empathy without one single word, allowing pent-up emotions to spill out and healing to begin. We are such a fix-it-now society that sitting makes us uncomfortable. We want to do something. But, Job's story illustrates the value of being willing to let go of our ideas and let God do it His way and in His time. Be a friend that reveals God-with-skin-on. Sit.

A Thriller

The Lord was with him and caused everything he did to succeed. Genesis 39:23b (NLT)

I love to read and one of my favorite fiction genres is action/thrillers. The story of Joseph in Genesis captures my imagination in a similar way. The twists and turns of the plot keep me glued to the story wondering what is going to happen next between the good guys and the bad guys. Typically, the bad guys are unknown to the hero but in this story, they are his brothers. Jealousy, vindictiveness, deceit, and cover up define their actions and as we watch them sell Joseph into slavery, ship him off to a foreign country, and lie to their father. Joseph ends up in Egypt, his problems continue and he lands in jail. What could be a worse fate? And to top it off, his family and fellow prisoners think he is weird because he can interpret dreams. I am sure this chain of events was not on Joseph's "to-do" list. A rational person might question what God had in mind for this young man. However, the story does not end with doubt but with promise. Joseph trusted God and even when his future looked bleak, his good work habits, industriousness, and loyalty brought him positive attention. Eventually even Pharaoh was impressed with the young man and his abilities and appointed him as ruler over the land. Without that authority, when a severe famine hit, he would not have been able to rescue his family. God does not make mistakes. At times, we may question what is going on around us. Life is not fair. It is too hard. Where is God? We question but we cannot even see around a corner let alone months into the future. God alone is the master of our destiny and all He calls us to do it to trust Him. Joseph did not expect fame, nor did he seek it. But God placed him in a position of power for His honor and glory. I encourage you to read Joseph's story as encouragement for your walk. If you feel all alone, remember, God is in control.

Look Up

And the LORD said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him: “Lift your eyes now and look from the place where you are—northward, southward, eastward, and westward;" Genesis 13:14 (New King James Version)

After the New Year, I chafed to get back to my various activities, especially Bible Study. I was ready to get going on the new study of The Patriarchs with Beth Moore. I have some new ladies in my discussion group and after the first session, while they were still catching their breath, I told them that watching her is like drinking from a fire hose. You just have to hold on…but it is worth it. While reviewing Abrams story, it occurred to me that life takes time. I get frustrated at the lack of progress on my intended plan for my life. Unforeseen events force me to step back and wait. Illness, death, moving, surgery, distance from family and friends stop me cold. Abram and Lot also had problems and encountered a seemingly insurmountable problem of enough grazing land for their flocks. I am not so sure I would have been as gracious as Abram was but he allowed Lot to choose the best land and he took the other. I wonder if he was worried about finding water in the hilly country that was his portion. But even as Lot took off, God stopped Abram and asked him to look up. He had something better in mind for Abram than the watered plains in the east. Everything as far as the eye could see would belong to Abram but it was necessary for him to separate from Lot before God would implement His plan. As I sat pondering, I realized that God knows what is going on in my life. Time has no meaning for him…it is my hang-up. He has separated me for His reasons and my part is to stay close to Him so He can show me my inheritance. After He got Abram's attention, He commanded Abram to walk in every direction and claim the land. He does the same to me—keep walking, don't give up, I haven't forgotten you. Look up!

God Will Provide

So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided." Genesis 22: 14 (NIV)

Imagine the movie scene of Abraham, his arm raised, knife in hand, ready to plunge it into the heart of his only son, Isaac. What could be more dramatic than the sacrifice of your only son? As I read the story in Genesis this morning, I wondered what Abraham was thinking on the three-day journey to the mountain. He certainly did not question God's command, in fact, he got right to it…no dawdling, excuses, or whining. But what was in his mind? Did he question God and want to know why? How many times have I pleaded with God during a difficult time and questioned what was happening to me or those I love? Yet, as they walked together, Abraham knew that this boy was a miracle and that God promised his destiny would be great. If sacrificing Isaac pleased the eternal God, then he would do his part. His birth had already been a miracle, so Abraham did not waver. He did not know how God would do it, he only knew He would. Because his actions revealed his pure, trusting, and devoted heart, God stopped him just before the point of no return. What a perfect name for this place on the mountain, "The LORD Will Provide," because when God called to him, Abraham looked up; he saw the ram, caught for him, ready to offer up to the God that loved him. How like God to give us an encouraging story like this so that we will have confidence during those impossible situations of our lives. All we need to do is look up. He will provide.

A Challenge

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. John 1:1 (NIV)

I am back to first principles. Although I accepted Christ as a young girl, I read through the Bible for the first time in 2007, enjoying the process and learning much about the context of God's word. After patting myself on the back, I decided not to do it again the next year, instead picking up a good devotional and a haphazard reading of the Scriptures. Now I have nothing against devotionals but there is something about going to the source in a consistent way to hear what God has to say to me, prompted after studying Discerning the Voice of God by Priscilla Shirer last fall. So for 2009, I am committed to reading through again, only this time I am using the New Living Translation Chronological Bible. I love a good story and look forward to reading this magnificent account from its opening drama to its closing triumph. I plan to sit and let it sink in, ask questions, see how it applies to me, and journaling my prayers and any insights that God whispers to me. I like to journal because it allows me to thumb through it for encouragement on those days when the darkness threatens to hide the light on my path. I have proof in black and white of God's presence in my life. It's not too late to start and there are many ways to do it. Check out the various options. It takes about 15 minutes a day, so why don't you join me? We will spur each other on to make it to the finish line, finding God's plan for us along the way.