LIVING LIKE JOB

PRAY WITH ME FOR AFRICA:  Even though Madagascar suffers from poverty, ecological destruction (80% of rainforest cover already lost) and political instability, the church is growing. The church is in great need of unity and deliverance of compromise with old beliefs, worship of ancestral spirits and witchcraft. Its greatest need is for biblically trained leadership. Pray for the church of Madagascar.

 The colors of the flag represent Madagascar's history, yearning for independence, and
traditional classes.





    


Thinking about Job this morning.
1) Job trusted God even though he was going through a very difficult trial where he lost all his belongings, his family, and his health, and was also being accused of sin by his friends. Job did not know why all this was happening to him but he knew God was in charge and trusted in God’s love to him. Job worshiped God. After Job had all his stuff taken away this is what Job said, “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” “Though God slay me, I will hope in him”. (13.15) Job also said, “For I know that my redeemer lives,…and after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God”. (19.25-26) Job trusted God through all his suffering and loss, even though he did not understand what was happening to him.

2) Another one of Job’s qualities was his steadfastness. Steadfastness means you keep on going and don’t quit. Job steadily moved forward no matter how difficult it was to keep on going. Sometimes in the Christian life all you can do is keep on going even though the future looks hopeless and the trial we are in seems like it will never come to an end. Job is known for his patience in suffering so that today when we see someone not quitting in their suffering we say he/she has the patience of Job. Job is mentioned in the book of James as an example of persevering in his faith through suffering.
3) Finally a lesser known quality of Job is his powerful prayer life. Job is mentioned along with Daniel and Noah, by God as a man of powerful prayer. Ezekiel (14.14,20)

Job is a good example for us to follow especially today in light of a fuller revelation of God in Jesus Christ. Trust, Steadfastness, Prayer - a good formula for a full entrance into God's kingdom.

Good Articles This Week:
1) Fuad's Story
2) Agent's Hunt Christians After Preacher's Visit