– Time for new resolutions and hope in a “better” year

Lets go back into the old testament today; Job. You know the guy that God let satan strip him of his possessions, children, and health.

As we read on his friends begin to turn on him. Saying that Job has sinned and his suffering is a punishment for the sin.

First God will not punish His believers. There will be justified judgement at the end and those that follow Christ and believe in His forgiveness will understand.

Job was an upright man. He was blessed with great wealth and a large loving and God-fearing family.

Satan wasn’t convinced that Job loved and lived his life honoring God because of his faith. Satan was sure it was because of all that Job had gained in his life and satan was going to prove it. Prove that Job was like any other human that still did not believe in the loving God of creation. Satan was sure that when all that Job had, his wealth, family and health he would turn his back on the God that loved and blessed him.

God knew that strength and faith that He had given Job. God knew how faithful in all areas of this life Job was. God knew how strong and deep Jobs faith really was. Just like God knows our strength and faithfulness.

In chapter 1:4-5 we are provided an example of his faithfulness. Job had established a commitment with the convenient between God and himself. Today we cant offer burnt offerings in our back yard as Job did but our regular practice is to pray without ceasing. Turn over our families to Gods will. Let God who knows each and every one of us, our hearts to mold us into His child. To show how much we love God in our actions and words. To be the light onto the path that meets God where each of us are.

The story of Job truth of God’s love, mercy and bounty is mentioned in the beginning of Job. Then we see how quickly evil will destroy. How evil cares not for us and tries to attack us where he thinks he can.

God knew Job’s heart and satan followed his will to destroy. God never abandon Job during his trials. He never abandons us during our trials. It can be hard to continue to read on in Job. Questing Gods reasoning behind the suffering that Job endures. The toll it must have taken on his human spirit. The endless praying seeking answers or some insight to his suffering.

Not unlike Job in chapter 13-14 we go to God in our anguish and ask why. Why this?

In chapter 32 Gods light begins to shine through. Young Elihu gives a partial answer to Job. ” People do not understand all that God allows be we must trust Him.” Sometimes we can feel like we dont have the complete answer in the suffering. This is all that humans understand today. (Back to the justified judgement) We do not have all the facts yet. As we read on Job encounters his friends trying to explain what is happening to their friend. Their example of great faith in a God that loves and has mercy.

There are 24 chapters written of people trying to explain what was happening and why. There are that speak of Gods new beginning for Job (38-41). Job is asked to reflect on Gods goodness in his life and Gods mercy for all humanity.

Job like us continues to question Gods plans. Why me? Why this? In chapter 42 of Job God restores and provides even more blessings for Job. Also in the end of Job God express great disappointment to all Jobs critics.

Job went on the live another 140 years of blessings. In all of the hopes and prayers for a “better” 2026 or our resolutions may we be reminded by Jobs story. God is not ignoring us; He is restoring us.

Lord God Thank you for (put your blessings here) Thank you for all that you continue to provide for me. We are willing to face our challenges knowing that you have a greater plan for us. Your timing is perfect and your blessing are bountiful.