Moments like Job

There are times I can look back on in my life that I prayed to be like Sarah. The concept of being such a wise and worthy woman, consumed hours of thinking, and made its way to the top of my prayer list numerous times. In fact, whenI found out I was pregnant I first laughed -- in disbelief. I did not think it was possible, both for me or for the timing.

Another character I have felt more like, lately, though is Job. There are times when I had wished to be more like him, too, though. Call it stupidity, foolishness, or a childlike perception, but what made its way into my prayers has not been a desire for trials… but a desire to be recognized by God as Job was, as someone with whom “no one like him [was found] on the earth, a blameless and upright man, fearing God and turning away from evil.” (Job 1:8)

I’ve had trials in my life. [Who hasn't?]  Right now,I feel as though I am being given some of my biggest trials: alone, pregnant, husband going into "war", job potentially not existing next year (such is the world of education) and friends who are moving in different directions.  At this point, I have definitely questioned whether God had answered my prayer or is laughing at me,…. and I am like Job, being assailed.  Although that was how I have felt in moments of feeling overwhelmed, it has helped with keeping an eternal perspective on more times than one.

If I am being assailed as Job was, what kind of response should I have?

Job 1:21-22:

“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, 
And naked I shall return there.
The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away.
Blessed be the name of the LORD.”

Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God.

If I am being assailed as Job was, what can I learn from Job’s mistakes?

Job 42:1-6:

Then Job answered the LORD and said,

² “I know that You can do all things,
And that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.
³ ‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’
Therefore I have declared that which I did not understand,
Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.”
⁴ ‘Hear, now, and I will speak;
I will ask You, and You instruct me.’
⁵ “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear;
But now my eye sees You;
⁶ Therefore I retract,
And I repent in dust and ashes.”

If I am being assailed as Job was, how can I glorify God in the most-desperate, overwhelming, and unlikely circumstances?

Job 13:15:  ”Though He slay me, I will hope in Him.”

If I am being assailed as Job was, how can my life prove to both Satan and his demons just how powerful God is?

Job 2:3:

“Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man fearing God and turning away from evil. And he still holds fast his integrity, although you incited Me against him to ruin him without cause.”

Rather recently, however, I actually thought something new….

“I feel like I have it worse than Job.”

I had to bite my tongue immediately as I thought through the trials of Job’s life. I am so wrong to think so highly of myself to be privileged with a trial larger than Job’s. I know I have so much to learn spiritually (and otherwise).

I am so foolish to think that amidst my petty concerns and the personal trials I face day-to-day, that I have surpassed the blessings of the trials of Job. Amidst all of Job’s trials and discomforts, the one person in his life that he should have been able to depend on for support said the following:

Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die!”

Wow.

No, I have nothing to complain about.  I have a wonderful husband who is the furthest thing from Job’s wife amidst the trials of my our life.  He stands by as a loyal and loving companion, shoulder (though via skype) to lean on, counselor, confidant, and friend. No, I have nothing to complain about.

Not only do I have a wonderful  husband but I have friends and family much unlike Job’s. As opposed to Job’s who accused of Job of sin and offered no comfort, I have wonderful friends who offer comfort, assistance, encouragement, and love.

So, the next time I feel like Job (which is a nagging feeling right now), surrounded by trials and bereaved by struggles and pains, I hope that I will stop and take a closer look at the whole account of Job in order to remember all that I do have and all that God has blessed me with.