Putting Truth into Practice
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“If we assay to commune with thee, wilt thou be grieved? but who can withhold himself from speaking? Behold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands. Thy words have upholden him that was falling, and thou hast strengthened the feeble knees. But now it is come upon thee, and thou faintest; it toucheth thee, and thou art troubled.”
Job 4:2–5
When God allowed Satan to take away everything Job had, three friends came to commiserate with Job. They proved to be poor comforters because they did not understand the real reason for what was going on. Instead, they accused Job of harboring secret sins and somehow bringing his misfortune upon himself. Interestingly, however, Job’s friend Eliphaz began his condemnation with words of praise. The description he provided of Job’s life is one that any of us would be pleased to have said of our lives. He described how Job had been a help and source of comfort to many who had suffered greatly.
Yet, Eliphaz followed these words by insisting that in the moment of crisis, Job was failing the test he had encouraged others to pass. Now we know from the Bible account what was actually happening, and that Job’s faith in God did not waver. He said, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him” (Job 13:15). All of us face moments when the things we have believed and taught and shared with others are tested. It is in those moments that the reality of our belief is revealed.
Given a choice, we would not select great tragedy for our lives or for those we love. However, God is at work in every situation, whether we can see His hand or not. Our responsibility is to maintain our faith and put into practice in our lives the truths we have believed and shared with others.
Job 4:2–5
When God allowed Satan to take away everything Job had, three friends came to commiserate with Job. They proved to be poor comforters because they did not understand the real reason for what was going on. Instead, they accused Job of harboring secret sins and somehow bringing his misfortune upon himself. Interestingly, however, Job’s friend Eliphaz began his condemnation with words of praise. The description he provided of Job’s life is one that any of us would be pleased to have said of our lives. He described how Job had been a help and source of comfort to many who had suffered greatly.
Yet, Eliphaz followed these words by insisting that in the moment of crisis, Job was failing the test he had encouraged others to pass. Now we know from the Bible account what was actually happening, and that Job’s faith in God did not waver. He said, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him” (Job 13:15). All of us face moments when the things we have believed and taught and shared with others are tested. It is in those moments that the reality of our belief is revealed.
Given a choice, we would not select great tragedy for our lives or for those we love. However, God is at work in every situation, whether we can see His hand or not. Our responsibility is to maintain our faith and put into practice in our lives the truths we have believed and shared with others.
Today’s Growth Principle:
It is in the moments when our faith is tested most that we can truly assess its worth.
No comments:
Post a Comment