PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Job 13-14
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“I will wait for my renewal to come.” (Job 14:14)
Job sees everything that happens as directed by God (14:5).
Ultimately Job expects that God will renew him (14:14-17).
But in the meantime, our days are few and full of trouble (14:1).
Will we still trust the Lord, in light of this?
People usually assume that if God is good, life here must be good.
God is supposed to protect us, keep us safe and successful.
If we live good lives, we will not suffer (Job’s friends).
Job sees it otherwise; this life is hard, but it will end well.
No matter what happens in this life, Job will cling to the Lord.
This kind of faith – desperate, wrestling – is what the Lord honours.
We live in a sin-messed world of our own making.
The Lord directs the chaos we unleashed for our ultimate renewal.
The ride is rough, because of the path we have chosen.
But the destination is assured with the Lord… wait for it!
PRAYER
Lord, in this world we do have trouble. But I can take heart… for you have and you will overcome this world!
Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him; I will wait for my renewal[c] to come you will cover over my sin. Job feels hopeless -even so he hangs on. At times I may despair – but my hope remains in the Lord. We benefit from knowing the rest of the story – we know Jesus came – are hope is founded on that – yet Job did not know – yet his trust/his hope was eroded – he could not understand. There are things we don’t understand either – when a young father is taken away in a car crash – leaving a young family behind. Yet we must hope in the Lord – for like Job – what else is there to hope in? I will say – I hope in the Lord – like Job – I will wait for my renewal!
I love Job’s frustrations with his friends, “its better if you guys shut up now, that might be the wisest thing to do”.
Lord help us live above reproach, help us to be sinless so that when we are judged we can have to confidence of Job to say “Lord, summon me and I will answer your investigation”. Lord thank you for forgiving the sins we commit day to day, help us be better.
Job’s friends think that Job’s suffering is because of his sin, something he did. Yet in all of this Job trusts in the Lord. Life’s journey may be hard but the future is assured – living in His presence – and while on earth He will see me through for He continues to lead me and guide me.
Lead me oh lord, won’t you lead me
I am tired and I need thy strength and power
To guide me over my darkest hour
For just open my eyes that I may see
Lead me oh lord, won’t you lead me