Heart Felt

I am reading the Bible chronologically in 2024. The beginning of January is the books of Genesis and Job.

I have studied the book of Job many times as a minister and teacher. It never fails to reach me.

I understand most people do not care to read the book. It’s is as if by reading it, fear of the unknown would come upon them.

Job said in chapter 3:25
For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.

So I get it, but having read it my heart opens up. I fear, but it’s reverential fear.

All I can see is the awesome tenacity of Job to remain loyal and faithful to God. My hope is that I am inspired & encouraged in my faith to do the same in my journey to freedom.

In 2021, I came near death through covid pneumonia. In the ICU for 4 days, on the floor for 4 more, and throughout many months of recovery at home, I never felt the presence of God as strong as I did then. I never had so many inner talks with God, received so much revelation as I did during that time. I also never felt so much love from Jesus.

Honestly my family became the church to me. They showed so much love and care and did not quit until I was recovered. Anything we had need of was supplied. Jesus shined through them.

I admit, I would might have asked why, if Jesus had not met with me in the emergency room and said to me “ I’ve already healed you.”

That still small voice kept me from wondering why and helped me focus on the process of healing.

His word relieved some of the ‘unknown ‘ in my mind, but I did not know the length of time that I would suffer through the loss of cognitive function, loss of gait, head to toe rashes and loss of hair. It was stressful to both myself, my husband, and my family.

Along side the unknown was a knowing that I can’t explain. I fully felt the providential care of God. I felt blessing among the thorns, and beauty from the ashes.

In no way do I compare myself to the persecution of Job, or the sacrifices of Christ. I do want to make clear however, we are not exempt from experiencing suffering on earth. I believe any person that reads the Bible has that clarity.

What I think I missed before I encountered the demonic Covid was the fact that in the midst of trials and tribulations, that a decision to trust must remain at the forefront of our faith. And when our faith wavers, we must remember through our faith we are the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. We through our salvation by faith have the mind of Christ. Bought and paid for in full.

Making a decision to follow Christ is vital. He doesn’t belittle us, quite the contrary, he says have the faith of a child.

Life is a journey that is best traveled in trust knowing God is with us. We have the redeemer that Job longed for on the inside of us!

This is so heart felt as I read Jobs testimony.

Job 13:25

Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him

I see the passion for Christ in Job long before Christ appeared on earth. I feel with my whole heart the longing for a coming redeemer.

Job 19: 25 For I know that my Redeemer lives,
and at the last he will stand upon the earth.

As the horrible persecution continues in Job my heart feels the pressure and I cheer when he declares in chapter 23:10 But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.

I can hardly bear to wait for the ending so who’s to keep me from skipping to the end. I read the end from the beginning and my heart sighs at Jobs determination in chapter 28: 28 when he says; “ Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom,
and to turn away from evil is understanding.

My heart felt those words.

I conclude this: The soul of man is precious in Gods sight. The only way to live here on earth is through the breath of the almighty.

Dear God. I have no desire to be as the friends of Job.

Dear God. My greatest desire is to be a friend of God.

So much scripture sounded right as Jobs friend began to try to comfort him in his tribulation. I think as I read the discourse, they should have remained silent.

And then again, the these beautiful passages of hope, trust, and wisdom would not be here for us today to assuage our pain, as we endure the true evil of Gods adversary.

Make no mistake here.

Job persecution was a type of the sacrifice we as believers endure as we seek the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus.

The truth is the devil motives have not changed and there is nothing new under the sun.

The same evil that attacked Job is the same spiritual evil that would test and attack our savior Jesus Christ.

Job was righteous and he saw through the portal of time and knew that his redeemer lived and was coming. He knew that he was being tried and if he hung on in trust God would avenge him.

Job reverenced God and though he questioned the validity of his persecution in anger, he never cursed God.

That’s deep soul love. Soul to soul trust. That’s sacrificial love that chose to let patience have her perfect work.

In Job we feel the Spirit of Prophecy, the living breath of a Redeemer coming to see about his brother.

The New Covenant would eventually come and show forth the providence of God.

Job not knowing what we know said, “Though he slay me, still I will trust,”

My thoughts go to the cross when Jesus says to his father “ Unto you I entrust my Spirit.”

Luke 23: 46 Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last.

We might make this declaration today. ‘Until my last breath, Jesus I trust in you!’

Job 33:4 The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.

A declaration, a determination, to unlimit our faith.

Unlimited Faith goes the distance.