Job lamented, “I have been allotted months of futility, and nights of misery have been assigned to me. When I lie down, I think, ‘How long before I get up?’ The night drags on, and I toss and turn until dawn. My body is clothed with worms and scabs, my skin is broken and festering. My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle, and they come to an end without hope.” [1]
No Job, you’re going to be all right. I read the end of the book. God comes through for you!
God helped Paul overcome condemnation, “At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me. May it not be charged against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that the message might be preached fully through me, and that all the Gentiles might hear. Also I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.” [2]
The Lord helps His people to overcome condemnation: “I know your afflictions and your poverty—yet you are rich! I know about the slander of those who say they are Jews and are not but are a synagogue of Satan. Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you; the devil will put some of you in prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give to you a victor’s crown of life.” [3]
The devil tempts people to sin. He hurts people with afflictions. He robs people. He trips people. Then, he slanders and condemns them for falling.
The Lord Jesus underwent trials and temptations in this world. He empathizes with our sufferings. Jesus says to His co-laborer, “Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give to you a victor’s crown of life.”
The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin to help us avoid its consequences. He convicts us of sin to help us make choices that lead to eternal rewards. He convicts us of sin to lead us to good behavior such as sharing the Gospel with the lost, and praying for people.
Be comforted in knowing that the Lord is for not against you!
“He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all—how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one! Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” [4]
Praise the Lord!
[1] Job 7:3-6
[2] 2 Timothy 4:16-17
[3] Revelation 2:9-10
[4] Romans 8:32-34
[1] Job 7:3-6
[2] 2 Timothy 4:16-17
[3] Revelation 2:9-10
[4] Romans 8:32-34
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