S. O. A. P.
Here’s your 90 second AM devotional!
S-cripture:
Job 40:1
Will the one who contends with the almighty correct him? Let him who accuses God answer him.
O-bservation:
Job is now being severely reprimanded by God for defending himself against his “Maker’s” action. In effect, God questions Job … “You’re fighting against Me, but are you going to also correct Me? I demand an answer!”
A-pplication:
I would never defend the young man named Elihu, who just a few chapters earlier had taken Job to task by making some of the same arguments against Job that God does in this chapter. Elihu was much younger than Job, and he had never come near as close to suffering the way Job had. But when “The Almighty” begins to hammer Job with questions, it’s obvious that Job had stepped over the line. Early on in Job’s suffering, he had said, “The Lord gives and the Lord takes away, praise the name of The Lord” (Job 1:20, paraphrase). But as time and a bleak future set in, Job became bitter. His earlier response was his best response. Whatever befalls us in this life, as “Followers of Jesus” we must respond with … “Thy Will Be Done.” No questions, no accusations, just a humble acquiescence to the will of God.
P-rayer:
Dear Jesus,
I confess that I am opposed to pain and suffering and mistreatment in the form of bodily harm or disrespect. But as You already know, with Your help my response will remain … “Thy Will Be Done.” Amen
Comment (1)
It is hard to understand why God doesn’t always act quickly to alleviate painful circumstances. But that’s where trust comes in. That is what God has been asking of me recently. Leave my burden at the cross and trust.