Dangerous Ground - Eyes of Understanding

NOTE* - I have added a small portion today (the day after this was originally posted). If you have already read this article once, you may have missed the addendum. Lord bless you.

Part One here   Part TWO here

Eyes of Understanding

For God speaks once, yea twice, yet man perceives it not.  [Job 33:14]

Although I have read the whole book of Job a few times (skimming over various chapters on occasion), it was only during a recent reading that my eyes were opened to see more. Is that not the way it is when we read the entire Word of God? Others may have seen even more than us long ago, yet we stand in awe whenever we learn something new, wondering why we did not see it before.

It is never my intention to announce such a thing with any false or hubristic pride, in that I saw something new and am arrogantly going to share it with others who have not seen it, as if I am wiser in some way. No, not at all! There are so many times I discover a thing, only to find out that others knew about it, perhaps centuries before me.

The thing that has been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under the sun. [Eccl 1:9]

It is more that when my eyes are opened to truly see a thing in scripture, more often than not, a realization occurs simultaneously of what a holy God I must stand before and how I pale in His presence. I see the corruption in my flesh and how easy it is to slip into pride and even rebellion.

Other times, I see the potency of His love and the depth of my selfishness. It is with great humility that I admit how much more I need further purging - yet the reality is that I will never reach perfection on this side of eternity in this defiled body of flesh with its fallen nature. 

That being said, it is not an excuse to continue on sinning. It is pounded into our heads (mostly by the ultra-religious) The excellence of God’s holiness and the pureness of His glory reveal the great need I have of Him – the deep need we all have of Him.

Any good in me has been His doing, not only as my Creator, as the one who formed me in the womb, but also as a loving God who purges and purifies, who molds and changes us into the image of Christ, step by step, from glory to glory. It is all to His glory alone, and most certainly not anything that I have done, or that any of us can accomplish.

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. [2Cor3:18]

Each of us can read any given chapter or verse of scripture several times, when suddenly, we see a part with new eyes of understanding, as if reading it for the first time. In our excitement, we cannot wait to share it with others.

Who knows? Another member may not have only seen what you just happened to stumble upon, but may even be able to add deeper meaning. The body of Christ has need of each and every member. We are to learn from and help each other along the narrow path, and the Holy Spirit teaches and guides us all.

The Holy Bible is a book filled with such a wealth of wisdom that it will take us our lifetime to grasp.  Yet, even at the end of our time upon this earth, we still will not have attained the fullness of God’s wisdom, knowledge, goodness or character revealed to us in His Word.

When All Falls Apart and Seems Lost

the moment when you are falling apart
and nobody notices...

What do we do when all seems lost? Does anyone notice when hardships hit? 

Do others truly pray for us or do they just offer empathy and counsel (advice)? Is it not true that at times we can actually sense the prayers of brethren spiritually? If others get busy and neglect to pray, do we not feel a greater heaviness upon us? 

I truly believe the true believers pray when they say they will pray. I know of beloved saints who are intercessors and pray without even mentioning it. They observe a need or hear about it and are moved by the precious and Holy Spirit to stand in the gap and entreat the Father on their behalf.

Where do we turn when everything seems to go wrong? In the midst of what  seems to be never-ending adversity, does a true believer begin to question their faith? Do they ever entertain a doubt, or ever wonder if there is still hope for what seems to be impossible, or wonder if they have believed a lie?

Do these moments happen during a 'dark night of the soul'? Does it happen when the wait has seemed too long, and all their strength and courage seems gone? Have they mistakenly listened to the adversary, that roaring lion, or is it their thoughts, "stinking thinking', bouncing off the corridors of the brain like a drunken sailor 'three sheets to the wind' on sea-legs.

Do we feel like we are in a parched and desolate land, all alone in a vast wilderness? Do we hide a sin and are afraid to approach God, fearing that His wrath will be upon us? Do we consider suicide, or long for death to end our misery? And if that desire is met, will we face torment in hell by a righteous God?

                             * * * * * * * * * * *

[Unusual insert and very serious, and unexpected pause to the article (in obedience to the LORD, a matter of importance)] 

To the one considering death: 

I am very glad you came here and trusted me to share your heart about feeling undone, hopeless, and at the point of giving up. Thank you for reaching out. You matter, and your life is precious to God!

This blog exists to honor Jesus Christ, and it is to Him that I point you now. He has been my ‘ever-present help in trouble’ time and time again. You don’t need a script…you can talk to Him just as you are: tired, confused, silent, or afraid. He already knows. He sees you and loves you deeply. He is your Creator.

If you are in danger of hurting yourself, please reach out right now to someone who can help you in real time …a trusted person in your life or a trained crisis counselor in your country. Seeking help is not a lack of faith; it’s an act of wisdom and courage.

I am not a counselor or mental health professional, but I believe deeply in the love and nearness of Jesus. If you would like prayer, you are welcome to leave a message here. I will pray immediately and stand with you in the gap before the Lord.

Please do not make any permanent decisions in this moment. This darkness is not the end of your story. Jesus is very near to the broken-hearted. He has always been there for me, and many others can testify to His faithfulness.

The LORD is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. [Ps34:18]

If you would like someone to stand with you in private prayer, just email me and I would be honoured to pray, as I am able.

To the one who is weary and tired of waiting:

This one has waited well over a year, perhaps longer (this 'wait' was understood to be a bit of one, but certainly not as long as it is at this time.) You wonder if you misunderstood or if God forgot, or worse, did something cause Him to change His mind? (These are all questions that have tormented the soul of the waiting one...)

What you wait for was birthed by a promise from God, a knowing in your spirit. You have had confirmations from the Lord, but fear and doubt threaten to steal, if not destroy your hope. Remember also that we have an adversary, Satan, who goes about as a roaring lion, to steal, and to kill and to destroy. [1Pet 5:8]

This knowing ( this promise) was released by God’s Holy Spirit into your spirit in a time past. I do not know all the details...  whether weeks, months, years, but God does. He alone is God; bless His holy name!

You have held fast and strong in your faith, but since the passage of time has lengthy, (like it would for any one of us), you may have begun to wonder if you truly heard from God, even though you were given a small sign [which you knew was His approval] at the beginning. 

Remember, dear soul, the enemy and his minions will do what they can to make you question your trust in Him, but all you need to do is hang on to that grain of mustard seed.

You have longed to hear from God. This is something I do: I pray sincerely, acknowledging that God is Sovereign and Providential. I declare not only that I trust Him, but so does all creation. "Nothing and no one can overrule You, Shaddai."

I then ask Him to lead me and to speak through His Living Word [Bible]. He does. The Word is alive and quick; it speaks. Trust Him. God is just and righteous. He corrects us because He loves us. Wait and trust... these two extremely hard lessons take the longest to learn.

One may ask for a sign; the other has waited only for some kind of answer, some glimmer of hope. Yet if you seek reassurance, let this be your encouragement. Let this be 'your answer, a ‘voice from heaven’, as it were.

Yes, I know, I know. There are no thunderclaps, no lightning, no angelic appearances…just a disciple of Christ Jesus, a regular Jane Doe with a website. Humour me :) God's ways are much grander than mine will ever be. Believe me when I say that I am just as awestruck as you.

God's will be done. Great is His love for you. [Jn 3:16-17]

No greater love
You were bought with a price

                              * * * * * * * * * * * *

[Let us] draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with the pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised;)  [Heb 10:22, 23]

The article continues on now, with what I had already written.

Do we look to Jesus and humbly cling to God? Will we find strength to offer up thanksgiving and praise anyway in tough times (it's not easy)?  If we find our strength is small, will we cry out in our weakness to God? Will we trust that Jesus will not fail or forsake us and accept His mercy and grace, which strengthens?  God is close to the brokenhearted.

If we stumble and fall, will we reach out and take hold of the strong arm of God that saves? When we wait upon Him and rise again in His strength, will we confess with a broken and contrite heart and humbly repent?

We all have messed up. Yet, as we grow and mature in Christ, we do our best to walk without sin. At least, if we are serious about our walk, we will not make excuses. The Holy Spirit will help us.

Our spirit is willing, but our flesh is weak. It is the fallen carnal nature. That is never an excuse to sin; we must keep a repentant heart - because we may slip up in though, word, or deed. 

We can trust God and in His wise ways and timing, even when we do not understand, or if the Lord seems slow in moving. 

 

In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: He heard my voice out of His temple, and my cry came before Him, even into His ears. [Ps 18:6]

Have mercy upon me, o Lord, for I am in trouble: my eye is consumed with grief, yea, my soul and my belly. For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing: my strength fails because of my iniquity, and my bones are consumed.

[Ps 31:9]

And after David poured out his heart to the Lord, in all honesty and truth, how did he end his prayer in the psalm?  O love the Lord, all you His saints: for the Lord preserves the faithful, and plentifully rewards the proud doer. Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you that hope in the Lord. 

[Ps 31:24]

To the discouraged, Do not fear: be encouraged; to those without hope, there is hope. To those who need strength, the joy of the LORD is our strength. 

The Job Syndrome

Anyone who has lived not enough knows that waiting is not easy, especially when we need a quick resolve. Even young children become impatient when waiting has seemingly gone into ‘overtime’.  The question, “Are we there yet?” was repeatedly asked by Donkey in the movie Shrek. It became a popular catch phrase to indicate “impatience” (and for some, a way to annoy another).

How many people have related to Job where two or more crises take place concurrently, or if everything seems to be falling apart, with no apparent end in sight?  

We relate to the suddenness of events, the steady onslaught or perhaps the monetary loss (employment, finances, properties, possessions) and/or the unexplained, untimely or unexpected loss of a loved one, either by death, separation or severed relationship.

Throughout history, millions of people have identified with Job at some point in their lives [self included], even if they did not experience the full extent of his losses; the vast amount of riches, or the severity of losing all of his employed staff (servants), or the sudden loss of all 10 of his children in one fell swoop. Even a fraction of such losses can numb and paralyze anyone emotionally due to the overwhelming impact.

Sabeans, raiding merchants/traders stole 500 oxen and 500 she-asses [female donkeys] , killing all the servants but one who escaped. Then, a devastating lightning storm destroyed 7000 sheep, and all the herdsmen except for one who escaped. 

Three bands of Chaldean robbers took 7000 camels, killing all the servants, but one. All Job's livestock, and all the servants who looked after them (with the exception of three, one servant from each group who escaped alive).

Sometimes, patience is tried as never before and the darkness that falls upon us can be blinding. Many become weary or discouraged, and understandably impatient after a lengthy time of suffering or an intense test of patience, waiting upon God to move on their behalf. 

But our Creator knows our suffering, our weariness, and discouragement. He knows what it is to be discouraged. He sees your faith, and honours it.

He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.  Surely he has borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.

 

 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. [Is 53:3-5]

Without faith, it is impossible to please God. [Heb 11:6]

Even when Adonai is silent, He is close. Trust Him. Welcome His Word, and be strengthened by His faithfulness, and encouraged by His promises.

How many seek answers from God, only to be met with silence?  How many experience persecution and false accusations from those they trusted? We long for God to answer our plethora of questions to understand, but like Job, we may never get the answers that we seek. We long for a remedy, a way out.

Others relate to Job when they are the targets of gross misunderstandings, ill-advice or unfounded accusations from those closest to them. Job’s trial proved to be a most difficult conundrum for his three friends, although they were emphatic that God is just and that Job must have done some wrong for God to allow such suffering. 

Desiring to comfort Job, his friends erred in their attempts at solving the mystery behind Job’s adversity. In defense of God, they blatantly accused Job. How many of us have unintentionally been like Job’s friends, trying to figure out why a loved one has such hardships and trying to come up with a sensible reason behind it all?

It is not just the suddenness of a thing, or an unusually fast and furious onslaught, or even the severity of loss (whether monetary or loss of a loved one(s)) that folks relate to when it comes to Job. Perhaps it is due to a sickness or disease, particularly when medicines or herbal solutions do not help, or if it an illness is terminal (no known cure).

People may relate when loved ones die in what they consider to be violent, mysterious or sudden ways, or die too young.  Others may relate to Job due to the duration of an ailment, or from the intensity of discomfort, pain and suffering (physical and/or emotional) that may cause one to prefer death rather than to have to live through the misery and agony that they must constantly bear.

Ofttimes, it is the shock and bewilderment, the lack of understanding as to “why” and “how” certain things happen that baffles most, especially if they are a child of God. When things go from bad to worse, even the strongest in faith can be rattled.

Confusion, frustration and pain (whether physical [body], mental [soul] or spiritual) may very well give in to anger, bitterness or self-righteousness. The severity, intensity or longevity of even one traumatic/dramatic event can challenge and even weaken the bravest and strongest person, whether a disciple of Jesus Christ or not. But with Godhead, and the living Word, we overcome. He does a good work in us.

It is during the hardest trials of life that one’s true character, their heart and fruit is revealed.  What is uncovered may surprise us, or others, as surely as it did with Job. We all tend to hold onto a rather incomplete and inaccurate worldview or theology of God. How often do we conclude that He blesses the good and brings affliction (suffering) as chastisement for sins?

Although it is true that God does or has done these things, the theology is incomplete. There are times that our trials are a test/ trial of faith, a purging to refine us, or a pruning to produce more fruit. Our suffering may be due to our poor choices or sins which have consequences, or from the sins and/or choices of others.

Suffering can also come from evil people committing evil deeds that either directly involve us or is part of a ripple effect. We were also warned to expect persecution simply for being followers of Christ Jesus.

seducing spirits

It may be Satan and his hordes launching attacks, which have increased as the time that Jesus forewarned us about is upon us. Satan will entice us with every imaginable temptation, just as he did with Jesus. He knows that now his time is running short.

None of us know all the thoughts or ways of God, as He is too vast and beyond our meager comprehension. [Is 55:8, 9] As a result, we often speculate and try to explain all that God does or all that He is.

None of us have all the answers, but together, as one body, we can learn from each other. None of us can fully describe our Maker, let alone define His methods and ways, or predict what He can and cannot, will or will not do.

We have an advantage over Job; we have the Holy Scriptures to teach us, filled with God’s wisdom. His magnificent Word is one way that He speaks to us and guides us.  If we are born again and Spirit-filled, His precious Spirit will also teach and lead us. Jesus made it possible for us to come humbly before God and pray.  

Patiently Waiting

Waiting with patience for God to answer us or to intervene in desperate, unexplainable or even in impossible situations is the area where most relate to Job. As mentioned before, questions and doubts that arise can lead to our undoing if we abandon or forsake faith or our trust in Christ.

Jesus (Yeshua) said that faith as small as a grain of mustard seed will move mountains. When God’s people weaken and become frustrated or impatient as they wait for God to act or wait upon His timing, they wonder if their faith is at least the size of that famous mustard seed.

And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If you have faith as a grain of mustard seed, you shall say unto this mountain, Remove from here to yonder place; and it shall remove, and nothing shall be impossible unto you. [Mat 17:20]

Will faith see us through?  Yes, faith expels fear and when combined with trust in God, unbelief cannot exist. Some may question whether they are in right standing with God, whilst others may feel abandoned by God. 

Some may feel they are either cursed or being punished for their sins, whilst others consider God unfair, just as Job did. Some feel He is putting more upon them than they can bear.

Some have such fears and doubts wherein they magnify every shortcoming, error, imperfection or struggle they have that they plead for forgiveness of sins, even ones they have not committed…but “just in case”, they repent anyway.

Some seemingly repent for even existing; almost as if the way they breathe is a sin that they must repent of. These tormented souls have not accepted (received) or perhaps fully believed God’s perfect love for them as His, nor fully realize His mercy and abundant grace.

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear: because fear has torment. He that fears is not made perfect (whole, mature, complete) in love. [1Jn 4:18]

Others become angry as they remind God of all their good works or their faithfulness to Him, practically demanding an explanation for the ‘injustice’ they are suffering.  This is what Job had to repent of, self-righteousness.  Such as these would do well to remember the goodness and faithfulness of Jesus Christ, who died for them so that they could be forgiven and live eternally!

There must be balance, and that balance will come through the Holy Spirit, through repentance and prayer, and by reading the Word of God. Everyone can have doubts, but it comes down to if those doubts are constructive or destructive. 

Constructive doubts, as explained previously, are doubts or questions that arise, but are mingled with faith and trust. I remind you again, Abraham, Gideon and Mary are three examples of those who had doubts (questions) but had faith that what God told them would come to pass.

Destructive doubts are those that do not believe God, no matter what confirmation He has given. They lack trust and will not wait, refusing to believe until they see. They turn away from God and walk in disobedience, rather than obedience. Some who did this were the Israelites in the wilderness, Saul and even Solomon. [1Kings11:9, 10]

There are times some simply may not understand the “why” behind something that has taken place or will take place (when a promise given was prophetic).  They may not understand God’s “timing” at first.

Ingratitude, if left unchecked, can dangerously bypass faith and become unbelief, such as what happened to the Israelites. One must stand before the holy, living God with a broken and contrite heart, forsaking rebellious pride and bearing the humility of repentance.

Do not allow bitterness, pride or rebellion to take hold of you when you are waiting for God to move. Wait patiently and persevere as Job did. God will answer.

Wrestling Theories about Job

Job was a very healthy and wealthy man. He owned eleven thousand of various types of livestock (sheep, camels, oxen and she-asses [female donkeys]), representing a fortune in terms of value, even by today’s standards.  Countless servants tended the herds.

He was happily married and had ten children, seven sons and three daughters. He had a fine home, status in the community and was respected by everyone, from royalty to servants and everyone in-between.

Most importantly, Job was a God-fearing man, considered in right standing with God (righteous) and upright (moral, law-abiding, honourable, noble, honest etc). He even disciplined himself to not even look upon another woman to lust after her.

Theologians still wrestle and debate whether Job was an actual person or if the story is allegorical. The arguments are that a good and loving God would not allow such suffering to come upon a godly man, with an upright moral character.

Other theologians posit that no physical evidence (archaeological) exists to prove that Job was a real, therefore, Job was likely mythological. Skeptics mention an ancient Sumerian poem that was written 1,000 years before the story of Job.

The poem eerily writes about a pious man who also suffered loss and physical ailment, only to be healed and everything restored in the end.  Yet, even the story of Daniel in the lions’ den is considered folklore by some.

This should not surprise us, as the serpent (Satan) began to sabotage God’s word in the Garden of Eden and destroy God’s plan of salvation.  He failed miserably.

But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. [1Cor 2:7, 8]

Theories about the Biblical accounts being Jewish folklore or tales rewritten from Sumerian tablets are presented to the public in an attempt to sabotage the validity of the Holy Scriptures and cast the shadow of doubt upon any who would believe God’s word.

Such skeptics echo a voice from the past, when Satan slyly asked Eve, “Has God said…?” The prophet Ezekiel mentions Job, along with Noah and Daniel two times. Always pay attention when the Lord repeats a thing. The apostle James also mentions the “patience of Job” [Jam 5:11] because of how he persevered through the great trial of his faith in and love for God.

Most of us know the story of Job. When Satan appeared before God, stating that he had been going to and fro about the earth [1Pet 5:8], to which God asks Satan if he had considered Job, a man who “fears God and eschews (shuns) evil”.

Immediately, Satan makes accusation against Job stating that he is only faithful to God because He has blessed Job and put a ‘protective’ hedge around him, his family and all that he owns. Satan challenges God to ‘put forth Your hand’ (grant permission to Satan to come against the work of Job’s hands and his substance) [Job 1:10]

God grants permission. Sabeans stole his oxen and asses, killed all servants but one, who escaped to tell Job. Whilst the surviving servant was still speaking, another breathless man ran to Job to report that fire from heaven fell, killing all the sheep and servants tending them. Only he escaped.

Whilst he was still speaking, yet another servant ran to Job, reporting that three bands of Chaldeans stole the camels and slew all the servants by sword. Only he escaped. Whilst he was still speaking, a fourth servant ran to him proclaiming that a great wind destroyed the house where all of his sons and daughters were feasting and drinking, killing all of them.

An onslaught of calamities overtook Job’s happy life – a domino effect. Shocked and overwhelmed, Job tore off his clothes and shaved his head in his pained anguish, fell to the ground and remarkably praised God. Still dissatisfied, Satan contends that if Job’s health was taken from him, he would surely curse God.

The Lord said to Satan that Job was in his hands, but commanded Satan not to take his life. Job’s body was then completely covered in painful, inflamed boils from the soles of his feet to the top of his head.

It is not my intention to discuss every detail, but to bring the story to remembrance and to merely to point out a few things that most definitely help us when we ourselves go through incredulous trials or events in our own lives. If we read Job’s responses at various times throughout the story, we can often relate to Job.

God considered Job righteous from beginning to end, despite Job’s emotions and some of the things he stated about God.  Job’s first response to his losses was to worship God. Yes, outwardly he expressed his grief by tearing his clothes and shaving his head.

Job's wife: "Do you still hold fast
to your integrity? Curse God and die!"
[Job 2:9]

Who would not grieve if they lost everything they owned, as well as all of their children or a great number of relatives at once? Even his wife, overcome herself with grief and sorrow told Job to “curse God and die”.  Before judging her, remember that she too lost everything, including the ten children she brought into the world. She was suffering greatly in her soul. Yet, she spoke foolishly.

After Job’s body was in great pain and torment, he did wonder why he was born and even longed for death, so that his suffering would be ended.  Many times when we go through long trials, friends and families come down with JFS (Job’s Friends Syndrome). 

Job’s friends were silent for the first week that they saw him and they wept. They were horrified by what happened to him, and in their compassion and love for their friend, they wept.  As Job’s trial continued, then they did what most of us do; they tried to make sense of why God allowed such devastation to befall Job.

In their minds, Job’s friends believed that there had to be a perfectly logical explanation for Job’s suffering…after all, God is good and just. However, they did err in their understanding and in their counsel.  We accuse ourselves?

In the book called the “Homan Old Testament Commentary – Volume 10 Job”, written by Max Anders and Steven Lawson, draw some interesting conclusions. First they point out that Job’s name is derived from the Hebrew word, radap which means “persecution, hatred”. 

The International Standard Bible Encyclopedia:  Job [‘iyobh] doubtful; object of enmity; “he who turns to God” – Bibliography information from Smith’s Bible Dictionary – Dr William Smith 1901.

Anders and Lawson point out that Eliphaz, the first friend who spoke to Job, was “the most considerate”, but still spoke with “stinging words, reasoning that only the wicked suffer.”  They suggest that the second to speak, Bildad, used “stronger terms” when addressing Job, but also concluded that if Job “would repent, God will remove your suffering.”

The authors of the Holman OT Commentary state that Zophar was the harshest, whose discourse was “rude and curt, probably out of growing frustration, as he relies heavily on assumptions.”

“He is the voice of orthodoxy, unbending and pointed, declaring in no uncertain terms to Job, “You are sinning and if you do not repent, your life on earth will be short-lived.””

They deduct that Elihu, the fourth and youngest counselor, spoke with “greater perception, applying sounder logic”.  Elihu reminds Job that “God purifies and teaches through man’s suffering.”  He advises Job to “humble himself before God.”

Anders and Lawson write: “So “why do the righteous suffer?”  The answer is: The righteous suffer because God, according to his infinite wisdom, chooses for them to suffer.”

They go on to explain that even if it appears unjust or unfair, “the reader is allowed to go behind the scenes and see the higher purposes of God behind Job’s suffering.”  “Through his fiery trial he perseveres and becomes an even stronger, more mature believer (cp 42:5).”

“More importantly, the anguish he experiences is used by God to show the sovereign workings of God behind the veiled curtain of human circumstances for his own glory.”

“In the bigger picture the person who undergoes painful suffering must remember that his life is part of a much grander scheme than he could ever imagine. Pitted between the kingdoms of light and darkness, stands the righteous person.”

“He is the battlefield for the invisible war between two unseen worlds. Satan is always pressing to destroy God’s plans by attacking the human race, especially the righteous. At stake in this spiritual warfare is the glory of God.”

“Honor is given to God when the righteous endure suffering patiently. Therefore, believers can face trials and tribulations triumphantly, knowing they are appointed for God’s glory and their good.” Holman Old Testament Commentary ©2004 B and H Publishing Group (authors Max Anders and Steve Lawson) Sold on Amazon.

Despite the fact that some scholars and historians challenge whether Job was a real person or not, he is mentioned in Genesis 46:13 as the third out of the four sons born to Issachar. The prophet Ezekiel pens Job’s name twice in the fourteenth chapter of his book.

Though Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, as I live, saith the Lord GOD, they shall deliver neither son nor daughter; they shall but deliver their own souls by their righteousness. [Ezek 14:20;14:14]

The apostle James mentions Job: Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. [Jam 5:11]

Rebellion is Dangerous Ground

What I read in the Bible was something that I had not noticed before, nor had I  read commentary on it up until this point. It surprised me because when the Lord did finally speak, He rebuked Job’s three friends for being wrong, but He did not mention anything against what Elihu had spoken to his friend Job.

For he (Job) adds rebellion unto his sin, he claps his hands among us, and multiplies his words against God. [Job 34:37] [spoken by Elihu]

It is near the end of his severe testing that Job began to demand of God some kind of explanation, some justification for his unfair afflictions and trial. Job cannot think of anything he has done wrong, so he challenges God to give him answers.

Job fears God, yet he is quite forthcoming in his dialogue with the Lord – no holds barred. Perhaps that is the reason Elihu states Job added rebellion to his sin. The Lord did not correct Elihu, or even mention him when He instructed Job to pray for his friends, who were not right in what they spoke about the Lord. 

Yet God did not rebuke Job regarding rebellion being expressed in the frustrated words Job spoke, which accused God of injustice. It was a surprise to see that it was the fourth  and youngest counselor, Elihu, that brought this accusation against Job. 

Even still, it was unlike the false accusations that the other three 'friends' of Job had insinuated about hidden, unconfessed sin. Pondering what the difference was in Elihu's accusation, I decided to check the dictionary's definition of rebellion, although confident of its meaning.

If others had commented on that point before, I had not come across it. The dictionary defines rebellion in two ways. Firstly, it defines it as: 

[1] an act of violent or open resistance (armed or otherwise) to an established government or ruler

[2]: the action or process of resisting authority, defiance (open resistance), insubordination (bad behaviour), insolence (rude or disrespectful words and/or behaviour)

The latter part of the definition gave me new eyes of understanding. I had only understood rebellion to the first meaning, not the part that invoked rude or disrespectful words. It simply never registered in other readings, and I have never heard anyone else discussing Job's "rebellion" or possible rebellious action. 

How many times do we read a certain scripture and then one day a certain verse becomes illuminated on the page? It is as if the Holy Spirit shines a light and nudges us to "pay attention".

The verse or a certain word suddenly becomes alive and stands out. Then the understanding comes before our eyes in ways that it had not before. That is one reason it is said that the Word is living, active, and sharper than any two-edged sword.  [Heb 4:12] 

The Bible is the one and only book ever written that will last a person a lifetime,  even if that person lives centuries like they did in the past. It will always feed a person's  spirit, and keep us on the right path if we but take heed and obey..

Clearly, when Elihu accused Job of adding rebellion to his sin, he referred to what he considered Job’s insolent, discourteous or disrespectful words that demanded answers from a just God. 

Scholars and theologians defend Job by claiming he was weary, worn down and frustrated from the long and continuous daily pain Job had to deal with, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. He was at the end of his rope, having faced trouble like no one had ever done before him, or who have went through since.

He was immensely rich, well respected, an incredible amount of livestock and possessions. He had what was described as a quiver, full of healthy sons and daughters. He was a well-respected leader, counsellor, judge, an elder who sat at the city gate.

A man of integrity and a good heart, ever charitable, helping widows, the poor, the fatherless, and any who needed help - a noble and generous person. Yet, all of it was ripped out from under him, including his beloved family.

The final blow was Job's health. Satan was not allowed to take his life, so he put a horrific skin disease upon Job. He suffered with sores that itched and filled with pus. He had constant, chronic pain, and added more to his suffering because the only relief that came was from digging in with potsherd (chards of broken pottery.

The chronic pain upon him was so severe that it seemed like only death would bring full relief and end the constant suffering. How long Job’s trial, his 'test of faith' lasted is anyone’s guess, as the Bible is silent about the exact length of time. That being said, there are clues.

So they sat down with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spoke a word to him: for they saw that his grief was very great. [Job 2:13]

Oh that I were as in months past, as in the days when God preserved me; [v29:2]

We can see that when Job’s friends came to comfort him, they were so shocked by what they saw and the great suffering of their friend that they sat for a week with him, unable to say anything. 

When they did speak, they were adamant about their understanding and belief that Job was being punished for some 'secret', 'hidden', 'unconfessed' sin he committed. That was the only thing that made sense to them.

When Job is mourning and distressed about his wretched, afflicted condition, he mentions the “months past”.  Therefore, it is quite possible that months did pass indeed. How many, how long, no one is sure. 

Yet, it must have been a trial of significant enough duration that Job became known as a man who had great patience [Jam 5:11]; a man who persevered or endured through great hardship. "They have the patience of Job."

It was not just frustration that Job spoke from. He spoke from months of constant pain from his skin condition. Job longed for the days gone by.

His condition goes by unnamed (such as leprosy, etc.); however, Job was shunned by his wife and friends. Can you imagine the constant physical pain he was in? That alone would put him on the edge.   

That is not an excuse, it is a fact. The itch on his skin was so severe that he used broken pieces of pottery [potsherd] to bring desperate relief. Self-harm was not Job's intent.  According to several articles, the use of the potsherd was also used to scrape away the discharge/pus from his wounds. [Job 2:8]

Satan put a terrible disease upon Job, one of the worst, fully expecting him to turn on Yahweh - convinced that the combination of the loss of all he owned and disease would destroy the faith of the 'righteous' man. Job's hope was deferred.                                                                                                                          His hope was utterly shattered, yet he hung onto his faith in God. This is the keenest example of faith as a grain of mustard seed finally moving evil as large as a mountain aside. 

He breaks me down on every side, and I am gone: and my hope

Remember: it was Satan who asked to bring great evil and destruction upon Job. He believed the man would turn from God, if the living God removed the "hedge of protection" and "favour" from the man of faith.  [Job 1:10]     

                                                                                                                      In his loving rebuke, Elihu [the youngest friend out of Job’s four that visited him] speaks of rebellion when Job is questioning God and His character…Elihu’s words resonate with Job (which I am sure that was the intent of the rebuke), and Job did repent before a holy and righteous God. 

Job's long trial of suffering loss, chronic pain and severe disease weakened him. He fell into a level of pride regarding his integrity to the point where he justified himself rather than God.

That was the sin of self-righteousness, which Elihu discerned. He also recognized that justifying himself would subtly lead Job to rebellion. For that reason, Elihu accused Job of rebellion. [Job 34:37]

God did not rebuke Elihu as He did the other three men who came to counsel Job. Rebellion is a dangerous ground. So, why was Job not further disciplined if he rebelled by his attitude and words toward God?                                                         

When Lucifer was filled with pride, he desired to exalt himself above Shaddai. He rebelled against God and convinced one-third of the angels to join him in rebellion. The future fate of Satan (aka Lucifer) is sealed.

Elihu's statement struck a cord in Job, who still feared the Lord.  According to scripture, when he recognized the error Elihu pointed out, Job humbly repented before it became rebellion.

He further obeyed God by praying for his three erroneous friends. Then, God healed Job and restored double portion to him. He even restored Job's relationship with his wife who had told him to "curse God and die."

Over the years, I head different people condemn Job's wife, criticizing her for not standing by her husband in his time of need. yet, I think most people forget that his wife suffered the losses too, home, riches, and social status.

Howbeit, most importantly, Job's wife was mourning the loss of all ten of her children that she had given birth too. If that was not enough, she could do nothing to help the man that she loved, her husband Job. He had a seemingly incurable disease. There was no hope in sight.

In His goodness and mercy, Adonai gave restored ten children once again to Job and his wife. Once again, they were parents to seven sons and three daughters.

Their daughters were called Jemima, Kezia, and Kerenhappuch. It is written that their daughters were considered the most beautiful in all the land; there were none fairer. [Job 42:14-15] The seven sons were not named.

God does not deny us the emotions that He created us with. He well understood all that Job (and his wife) suffered and extended unmerited grace and mercy. Job was no hypocrite; he said what he felt and meant it.

Job remained steadfast in his faith, despite the severe trial. Although he sought answers to explain why everything happened to him as it did, he never stopped trusting God. The Lord blessed Job mightily in the end.

If your emotions get the better of you during a great hardship, let the fear of the Lord be your guide.  Repent if need be, and hold fast to your faith and your trust in God. Wait patiently for Him. He will not fail you in the end, just as He did not fail or forsake Job.

Final Word

I am led to end this portion of the article with a word from the Lord, which was posted back in March of this year. May it refresh your spirit and may you be strengthened by Him. It is all for His glory alone!

In Your Darkest Hour I AM With You

And about the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus (Yeshua) cried out with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why have You forsaken Me?  [Mat 27:45-46]

O LORD, how long shall I cry, and You will not hear! even cry out unto You of violence, and You will not save! Why do You show me iniquity (injustice), and cause me to behold grievance? for spoiling and violence are before me: and there are that raise up strife and contention.

Therefore the law is slacked, and judgment does never go forth: for the wicked does compass about the righteous; therefore wrong judgment proceeds. (justice perverted)  [Hab 1:2-4]

Many question My Sovereignty in this hour when faith is being tried as never before. "Where is justice? Why do you You stand afar off and allow such horrors to take place?"  Many of My people are crushed in spirit at all that is happening, yet I promise you that I am with you, even now. I grieve with you; I collect your tears. In your darkest hour, I AM with you, even if it does not seem so.

You tell (record, track, know) my wanderings: Put You my tears into Your bottle. Are they not in Your book?  [Ps 56:8]

Hearts filled with sorrow, grief, anger, doubts; confusion abounds and the enemy whispers, "Where is your God now?"  Shut out the voice of the adversary, for only I know the reason behind all things. Sin abounds in this world; human error and choices between doing what is right and what is wrong is still a reality.

When things happen that do not make sense, you must trust that nothing has escaped Me. I DO work all things together for good, but in the midst of pain and sorrow, nothing makes sense. I know your frame; I remember that you are but dust. Yet, I say to you, will you trust Me through this?

Multitudes whisper, "Nothing happens that God does not allow." They readily lay even the consequences of sin at My feet, indirectly blaming Me for all that goes wrong in this world.

There is truth in the statement, yet does what I allow mean that everything is My will? Are abortions, murders, suicides, illegal drug use, incest, adultery, fornication, betrayals, false doctrines, witchcraft and much more...are these such things My will?  Consider carefully!

If I intervened and intercepted every vile word, action or deed, most, if not all, would accuse Me of reneging on the gift of the power to choose. I promise you that justice shall be served in the end. My promises (including personal promises to My people) will come in MY timing, if you will but be patient just awhile longer. Stay abiding and obedient. I never fail nor leave nor forsake!

Cast not away therefore your confidence, which has great recompence of reward. For you have need of patience, that, after you have done the will of God, you might receive the promise. For yet a little while, and He that shall come will come, and will not tarry. [Heb 10:34-37]

The hearing and knowledge of that will not satisfy most in their darkest hours, yet I assure you that if you will but trust Me through all situations, no matter how mysterious, unfounded, unfair or seemingly untimely, the day will come when you will see that in My wisdom and omniscience, I allowed what I allowed for good reason and purpose.

I can handle your outbursts of anger, frustration and all else that you may bring to Me in your emotional turbulence. It is better to approach Me in honesty than hypocrisy. When the storm passes and you calm yourself once again, you will repent if you truly love Me and I am ever ready to forgive.

They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. he that goes forth and weeps, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing bringing his sheaves with him. [Ps 126:5-6]

If you will find the strength to lay all your life down upon the altar (hopes, dreams, plans, emotions, feelings...your very life) and TRUST Me enough to WAIT upon Me, and OBEY My instructions in FAITH, then I shall indeed give you beauty for ashes. 

I shall turn your sorrow into joy and clothe you in robes of righteousness. You shall be as a tree planted by the waters...if you will but hold fast to your faith, despite all the outward circumstances. Indeed, I shall avenge. I AM a God of grace, mercy and love, but also of justice, judgment and righteousness. Selah

To appoint unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He might be glorified.  [Is 61:3]

Shut not your eyes as one blind, nor harden your heart against Me in your dark hour, for I will yet come and bless you if you will surrender all, lay it all down and trust and wait upon Me.

This is the time to turn your eyes toward Me and not away from Me. There is a very real adversary that hates all of mankind, but particularly My people, those who follow after Me and seek Me in earnest, willing to abide, even when their faith is shaken. 

Do not go by your feelings or emotions. Do not go by outward appearances, for in the twinkling of the eye, it can all change. Hold fast to your shield of faith. I AM your shield, your strong tower, your refuge.

If My people would only know what is around the corner, they would be stronger. Yes, horrific things are coming, as foretold, yet I say to you, the Bride is being prepared - and astounding things not heard of are about to take place.

For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither has the eye seen, O God, beside You, what He has prepared for him that waits for Him. [Is 64:4]

Set your face as a flint. Repent where you know you must. Keep on your armour; fast and pray, be alert! Give thanks and praise even when you do not feel like it, for great is the reward after humility is expressed. Above all, faith, trust and obedience!

But now, O LORD, You are our father; we are the clay, and Your our potter; and we all are the work of Your hand.  [Is 64:8]

 I AM still the God of the impossible. Nothing is too hard for Me. Believe and have faith; trust and obey...WATCH and see what I shall do.  Selah

And He said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God. Behold, I AM the LORD, the God of all flesh: is there any thing to hard for Me?  [Lk 18;27; Jer 32:27]

Original posting of “In Your Darkest Hour”

Come to Me!

Added July 11, 2016: After awhile of being awake, there was something placed in my spirit that I was to add here this day. To God be all the glory, praise and honour!

"Come to Me! As surely as I now live, My arms are as open and waiting for you as much as they were open and waiting the day I died upon the cross for you. I am as willing to forgive you now as I was on that day, when I cried out, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do!"  

For this purpose I first came into the world. Great is My love. I shall soon return to gather up My own. Before you were in the womb, I knew you. Nothing has taken Me by surprise. All who repent and obediently follow Me shall be by My right hand.

[who are] blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For it is written, Eye has not seen nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for them that love Him. [Mat 25:34; 1Cor 2:9]

for His glory alone

Bonita                         dovesofthevalleys4@gmail.com