The Life of Job

Since the beginning of 2011 I've been on this kick of reading the Old Testament.  I know for most it can be the driest part of the Bible to read, but I've actually really been loving it.  In fact, reading through the book of Numbers became one of the favorite parts of my daily routine!  Probably strange, I know, but it was just so cool to see more of God's character through His interactions with His chosen people.

A few days ago, I just finished reading Job (now you may be thinking... 9 months and you've only gotten through Job?  Well, yes... but I've been reading other things too!).  There was a side note in my Bible about Job's reply to the Lord after the Lord finally appeared to Him.  It highlighted that Job was still in a pathetic state (children died, blistered body, poverty-stricken) when he recognized his folly in questioning God and submitted himself to God's will.

Then Job replied to the LORD:

  “I know that you can do all things;
   no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
  You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’
   Surely I spoke of things I did not understand,
   things too wonderful for me to know.

“You said, ‘Listen now, and I will speak;
   I will question you,
   and you shall answer me.’
  My ears had heard of you
   but now my eyes have seen you.
  Therefore I despise myself
   and repent in dust and ashes.” - Job 42:1-6

I feel like I've been questioning God lately about why I've had to go through some of the things I've gone through, feeling like I deserved an answer.  But God has been so faithful and continued to bless me in ways that show me His love, even though it is not required of Him.  I think I need to learn more from Job and see that even in the hard places, God is still in control and wants me to submit to His will.  God's love for me is incredible.  I want to be able to accept it with an open mind and heart.