Great Plains Daily Devotional for 10/28/2018

Job 42:1-6 

Then Job answered the Lord:

“I know that you can do all things,
    and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’
Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand,
    things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.
‘Hear, and I will speak;
    I will question you, and you declare to me.’
I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear,
    but now my eye sees you;
therefore I despise myself,
    and repent in dust and ashes.”

Job suffered greatly and lost everything.  Job still kept his faith, but he had questioned God.  He had questioned Him about things of which Job did not understand or know.  And God responded!  Now Job can say to God, "I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted."  Would I be so forgiving and humble to accept such terrible suffering?  I often ask myself this when I read the Book of Job.
 
I consider my life very fortunate, although not wealthy; however, I share much with others through my church and other opportunities.  But I have had my share of suffering too:  a dreadful divorce after 26 years of marriage; the loss of a good job that I loved; the death of my dear son.  Job's friends wanted him to blame God for his suffering, yet Job did not.  Nor have I blamed God.  God has never told us life would be easy, but He does tell us that He is always with us.  After Job's suffering, we know that God blessed him with even more than before Job's suffering.
 
We all make mistakes and hopefully learn from them.  I am a sinner, yet I know in my heart that God loves me.  I know that He hears my prayers and that He has always been with me during the tough times.  Prayer is a big part of my life and I encourage others to pray often.  Just talking to God brings peace to your life.  In today's world of so much dark ugliness, remember that the Light always and forever shines through.  If you keep God in your heart, His love will shine through so brightly that others will want to have His love too.

Prayer for Reflection

Job 42:1-6, 10-17
Psalm 34:1-8,(19-22)
Hebrews 7:23-28
Mark 10:46-52