Faith in the Fire

SCRIPTURE:

OBSERVATION:

Although we know God’s plan and reason for Job in his time of affliction, and that Bildad did not know God’s plan and reason for Job’s affliction and devastation, Bildad’s words have merit as our resolve when facing challenge and conflict.  His words that direct us to draw ourselves to God in prayer with a pure heart void of self and ulterior motives is good advice, for God’s word is true, that He will rouse Himself on our behalf and restore us in our rightful place.  However, this is where the key lies in understanding God’s ways.  His plan for our rightful place may not always be the same as ours.  His plan for us sometimes may be a place like Job’s where He will use our choices and sometimes affliction that perhaps we haven’t caused for His glory and plan.  The key is that like Job, can we persevere even though the fire burns and hurts to see ourselves through His plan with obedience and faith.

APPLICATION:

I do feel that for the most part of my life, God has spared me the Job type experiences and has blessed me with provision, opportunity, accomplishments, gifting, and blessings.  In those times where I have faced affliction, challenge, conflict, and undue oppression; God has been faithful and given me perseverance to accept the outcome of His will.  These scriptures affirm to me God’s plans and how I need to always look to Him as my source in good times and challenging times, that I might have the faith and obedience when walking through fiery times.  I hold on to the result of a blessing of answered prayer, or a blessing of a life-lesson and growth.

PRAYER:

Dear Lord, thank you for another wonderful lesson of who you are, your plans for us in this world, how you work through us, and our part in our relationship with you.  Thank you for your faithfulness and that if we believe in your will for us, we can have faith that the result will be a fulfillment of faith.