Gazing Up

READY

“Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshipped. And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong.” -- Job 1:20-22 NLT

SET

Job was a faithful man; he loved his wife well, took care of his family, and was a kind friend. God loved Job and had honored him with plenty of land, healthy animals, and a beautiful family to enjoy. Job was thankful and always responded in worship to the Lord and lead his family to do the same.

After God allowed Satan to tempt Job into renouncing and cursing God, Job was left deathly ill, his children were all dead, and so were all of his sheep and servants. Job had lost his family, his way of life, and his wealth all in a single day. In his devastation, Job fell to the ground ripped his clothes and even shaved his head; he ached with sadness, but his heart did not abandon God. He knew God to be faithful, and he knew that He was still in control, though he was still confused, scared, and anxious.

Job prayed and cried out to God in pain, and God called on Job to be brave. Job knew that God loved Him, so he did not give up his faith and decided to praise God instead of curse Him. Job made the decision to persevere and persistently and patiently pursue God in prayer, even in his anxiousness and confusion.

Job’s example is deeply humbling; we know full well as Christians that life is not ever perfect, but sometimes tribulations and trials can catch us by surprise. Uncertainty can be confusing, disappointing, and challenging, but we must remember that God is always and forever in control. God deeply loves us, and His love is the same yesterday as it is today and forever. He understands our trials and our emotions completely.

When life is unexpected, like a deferred season or a career-changing injury, remember that it did not surprise God. He will take care of you. Like Job, let’s fix our eyes on the Lord, the giver of peace, patience, and perseverance and remain faithfully praising Him even in our storms.

GO

• Are you faithful to God even through challenges?
• How can you fix your focus on God during trials?
• How can you set an example for your peers, teammates, or players to remain faithful to God even during these difficult times?

WORKOUT

Hebrews 13:8; John 16:33; James 1:12

OVERTIME

“Heavenly Father, thank You for the example of Job’s perseverance. I am confused, anxious, and I need you. Help me to find peace, patience, and the perseverance during this time and remain faithful to You among change and challenge. I love You, God. In Jesus’s name I pray, Amen.”

Claire Britton