There is a pastor named Josh Howerton from Lakepointe Church in Dallas, Texas that I have been seeing frequently on YouTube. He has a huge media presence so he often comes up in preaching segments and podcasts where he talks and dissects many different parts of the the Bible and explains them in such a way that is very relatable to all of those who want to know more. He does what I like to call a “deep dive” in passages that may seem confusing or in passages that we just need some clarification on.
In listening to him, one thing that he said once really resonated with me and it was about how so many times we are waiting on the Lord. That is something that we humans don’t do very well, by any stretch of the imagination! In this particular podcast, Josh was referencing the story of Job in the Old Testament. For a quick reference, Job was a man who was absolutely faithful and loyal to God and who worshiped God without fail. Satan wanted to test Job’s faith and asked permission from God to test Job’s love of God, thinking that Job would turn away from God if he was tested through loss and grief and pain. So, Satan did that by making him suffer through some really awful things like the loss of his family, servants and livestock in a series of calamities. Job stayed steadfast throughout so Satan wanted to test him further and strikes his body with sores from head to toe and even threw in some questionable friends who tell him that he must be being punished for something, so there was no support there. In the end, God saw that Job remained loyal and faithful to Him even despite all that he endured so God restored him with more than what he had lost.
So, what does that story of Job have to do with us and our suffering?
In thinking about this story of Job, Josh actually emphasized that we don’t need to “worry, wonder or whine…instead wait on the Lord.” As you see in the story of Job, I’m sure that Job was not happy about all the things that he was suffering and indeed, he could have turned away from God when he was going through so many horrible events. No one would have blamed him. The thing is, how many of us have turned away from God when things in our lives became difficult like it did for Job? Too many to count, I am sure.
The thing is, is that we ALL suffer, in something or in some way or another. It’s natural to worry about our circumstance, wonder if things will ever change for the better and, of course, to whine or complain to whoever will listen about what we’re going through. It’s all perfectly natural to go that route. I’ve been there, so I understand. The most important part that we may be missing is that instead of worrying, wondering and whining, we need to pray that we have the endurance to wait on our Lord. We know that we have a God who certainly will not leave us where we are. It will end. He will deliver us out of our pain, just like He did with Job AND He will give back more if we stay faithful and true throughout it. So, when He does what He says that He will do…. be sure to say “Thank you!” He likes that acknowledgement. (Related post: Jehovah-Nissi: Name of God)
What did I learn from this? I’ve been through a lot, certainly not as much as others but it was and has been a lot for me. In all my time of uncertainty, God has been with me. He has NEVER left me alone and He never will. I am humbled by that. Just knowing that He loves me that much, which, in turn, helps me to just know that He will make ALL things good for those who believe in Him! I just have to be patient a little longer and wait on His timing, not mine. Will it be easy? Of course not! Will it be worth it? Absolutely!! (Related post: The God of Everything)
So, what can you gain from this? If you, too, are going through struggles, know two things: One, you are not alone. There are others around you and in the world who suffer too. Seek out their support. Secondly and most importantly, you have a God who just wants you to reach out to Him. I promise that He will not leave you alone in your pain. Our God has an affinity for those in need. He has a deep and abiding love for those who call out to Him. He will walk with you in your journey and you will come out of it rejoicing and praising in His marvelous name, I can promise you that. I know because He’s done it for me and for so many others. (Related post: “My peace I give you”)
A Joyful Mission 