Today is the last week of homework in my current Bible study, "Fingerprints of God" by Jennifer Rothschild. I didn't know what to expect from this study, because I had never heard of this author/speaker, but God has rattled, shaken, spoken to, and taught me so much through it. The topic I read about today being particularly inspiring to me, so I decided to share.
When I am in the midst of trial, what type of faith am I exhibiting?
For those of you who know me, I've always said that faith was not my spiritual gift, nor was I very good at having it. However, when I look back over the past year (a very difficult one), I see not only how God has strengthened my faith, but how He has manifested Himself by allowing me to go through what I have. I have struggled with contentment, pride, selfishness, control, and so much more. Yet, God allowed me to go through these struggles in order to recognize Who brings contentment...Who squashes pride...Who rids selfishness...Who really is in control...Some days I am encouraged, and other days discouraged, yet I still see how God is growing me. It's like a growing pain...it hurts, it's uncomfortable, and I just want it to be over with. However, those pains are a sign of my body becoming and acting like it's supposed to. So is growth with the Almighty God. It hurts, I don't necessarily desire to experience it at the time, but when I look back we see where I was, and where I am now...that brings--satisfaction.
In today's study it had me read Job 23. I guess I had read this before, because it was marked in my Bible, but God took the scales off of my eyes and it was as if I was reading it for the first time. In closing, please take time to read this passage and remember the unchangeable God Who is always present.
Job 23
Job Replies: Where Is God?
1Then Job answered and said:
2"Today also my complaint is bitter;
my hand is heavy on account of my groaning.
3Oh, that I knew where I might find him,
that I might come even to his seat!
4I would lay my case before him
and fill my mouth with arguments.
5I would know what he would answer me
and understand what he would say to me.
6Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power?
No; he would pay attention to me.
7There an upright man could argue with him,
and I would be acquitted forever by my judge.
2"Today also my complaint is bitter;
my hand is heavy on account of my groaning.
3Oh, that I knew where I might find him,
that I might come even to his seat!
4I would lay my case before him
and fill my mouth with arguments.
5I would know what he would answer me
and understand what he would say to me.
6Would he contend with me in the greatness of his power?
No; he would pay attention to me.
7There an upright man could argue with him,
and I would be acquitted forever by my judge.
8"Behold, I go forward, but he is not there,
and backward, but I do not perceive him;
9on the left hand when he is working, I do not behold him;
he turns to the right hand, but I do not see him.
10But he knows the way that I take;
when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.
11My foot has held fast to his steps;
I have kept his way and have not turned aside.
12I have not departed from the commandment of his lips;
I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food.
13But he is unchangeable, and who can turn him back?
What he desires, that he does.
14For he will complete what he appoints for me,
and many such things are in his mind.
15Therefore I am terrified at his presence;
when I consider, I am in dread of him.
16God has made my heart faint;
the Almighty has terrified me;
17yet I am not silenced because of the darkness,
nor because thick darkness covers my face.
and backward, but I do not perceive him;
9on the left hand when he is working, I do not behold him;
he turns to the right hand, but I do not see him.
10But he knows the way that I take;
when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold.
11My foot has held fast to his steps;
I have kept his way and have not turned aside.
12I have not departed from the commandment of his lips;
I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food.
13But he is unchangeable, and who can turn him back?
What he desires, that he does.
14For he will complete what he appoints for me,
and many such things are in his mind.
15Therefore I am terrified at his presence;
when I consider, I am in dread of him.
16God has made my heart faint;
the Almighty has terrified me;
17yet I am not silenced because of the darkness,
nor because thick darkness covers my face.
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