Job and Friends: Trusting in God’s Control
Scripture Reading — Job 19:23-29
“I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth.”
Job endured the worst of life’s miseries. Yet he modeled for his friends and family how to stand before God in the midst of trials. Job did not curse God as his wife had suggested (Job 2:9). And he did not listen to the bad advice that his friends gave him.
One thing was clear to Job: “I know that my redeemer lives.” Job understood that he had a big God who was in control and that one day, when all the suffering was over, he would understand more fully.
Job did not pretend he had not suffered. He had lost nearly everything. He had also lost all respect in the community. Everyone looked down on him, assuming he had sinned. His life was miserable, but that did not change the central truth that God was still in control.
The only thing Job repented of was that he eventually demanded an explanation from God. He learned it was enough to trust that God was in control and had a plan for his life. (See Job 40-42.)
There is much we do not fully understand in this life, and, like Job, we can envision that in heaven one day our understanding will be clear.
Even when things are a mess, can you believe that the God of the universe is still in control? Share your testimony of trusting that God is faithful!
Dear Lord, help us never to doubt that you are in control. May we trust in your love and faithfulness despite any challenges we face. Empower us to testify to your great-ness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
About the author — Steven and Deb Koster
Steven and Deb Koster have a passion for marriages, families, and spiritual growth in the home. Both are ordained ministers in the Christian Reformed Church in North America. Steven formerly served as editor of Today and director of ReFrame's English-language outreach. Deb leads Family Fire, ReFrame’s family ministry at FamilyFire.com and on Facebook. The Kosters have three children.
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