11-15-14. Job 36:13-15. How should Christians respond to the trials of life?-my devotional
How should Christians respond to the trials of life? Kevin E. Jesmer. 11-15-14.
Job 36:13-15, “13 “The godless in heart harbor resentment; even when he fetters them, they do not cry for help. 14 They die in their youth, among male prostitutes of the shrines. 15 But those who suffer he delivers in their suffering; he speaks to them in their affliction.”
In Job 36, Job was suffering immensely. Elihu was telling him that he needed to not become resentful and that he needs to respond with repentance. Then Job will be restored and blessed by God. Look at Job 36:13-15, “13 “The godless in heart harbor resentment; even when he fetters them, they do not cry for help. 14 They die in their youth, among male prostitutes of the shrines. 15 But those who suffer he delivers in their suffering; he speaks to them in their affliction.” Elihu’s assumptions about Job was not right. Job was not suffering because of his sin. Still, we can learn something from Elihu’s statement. It is a much better path than becoming resentful to God and to people. Look at the following verses: Matthew 6:31-34; 1 Peter 3:8-9; James 1:2-4.
Matthew 6:31-34; “31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”
1 Peter 3:8-9; “Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
James 1:2-4, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
First, seek first God’s kingdom and his righteousness. (Matt 6:33) When we are subjected to trials how easy it is to seek revenge, or sympathy, or sink deep into despair and depression. But this in not the inevitable default. There is another, “God glorifying” alternative. It is to respond by seeking first God’s kingdom and is righteousness. God’s righteousness is Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 1:30) In regards to suffering this means that instead of harboring resentment, we praise and thank God. We seek understanding in the Lord. We seek to forgive others whom we perceive as wronging us. We seek to be reconciled to others and to God. We replace resentment with grace and thanksgiving. When we seek God’s kingdom and his righteousness, (Jesus), as top priority, then we can experience deliverance.
Second, be proactive. Don’t just be a victim. Make a decision to glorify the Lord in your situation. Seek to do the opposite of harboring resentment. 1 Peter 3:8-9; “Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble. 9 Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.” Resist resentment and pride. Respond to Jesus’ intervention. When we do, we will inherit the blessing.
Third, see your suffering from God’s point of view. There is a reason in God for what we are going through. We may not know all the answers, but in God there are answers to be had. One reason can be read in James 1:2-4, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” God is developing spiritual perseverance in our hearts. He wants us to grow mature and complete, not lacking anything in our Christian lives. There is a secular saying, “If it doesn’t kill me it only makes me stronger.” In Jesus, even if it does kill you God is still making you stronger because there is the resurrection and our spiritual growth goes on all the way into eternity into the Kingdom of God.
By remaining in Jesus and responding in godly ways, in the midst of hardships, there is a blessing to be had. Verse 15 reads, “But those who suffer he delivers in their suffering; he speaks to them in their affliction.” We can know that Christ will deliver us. He will speak words of love, grace and hope into our hearts. He will encourage us as he matures us in our faith.
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