Read Job 26:1-14
Do you ever feel like you’re at a tennis match as you read the book of Job? We’ve been given a front row seat to watch these friends hash out their thoughts and opinions. When is the last time you did that with a group of friends? It never gets old to just sit around sharing ideas, insights, and experiences with those closest to us.
When friends see things differently, there’s bound to be tension. We’re seeing that between Job and his friends, and we see that in our world today. It seems like everyone has an opinion about something and feels offended when questioned or minimized if not agreed with. I’ve heard of several friendships that have been broken because of differing opinions. Will Job and his friends last as friends?
Now as we turn once again to Job, we see him questioning his friend, Bildad, but singing the praises of God’s power. Job sees God’s fingerprints all over the world as examples of that power.
Job is giving us another great strategy for coping with hard times. When we focus on the majesty and power of our God standing beside us or going ahead of us, we can’t help but feel more grounded, peaceful, and ready to venture forward into the challenge. We know we’re not alone when we remember God in that way. I think Job did the same thing to help him cope.
Seeing God in the pages of Scripture is easy. Looking for God in our day to day can take a little more time. Focusing on God’s goodness doesn’t have to all be focused on the past and what he has done. God’s story isn’t done being written. God’s majesty is still being spread to the ends of the earth.
Job applauds God for creation. There are some marvelous word pictures used by Job to help draw attention to God’s power. He wrapped rain into the clouds and set a boundary between day and night. We are also beings created by God. Making people is another thing God does, and He made us for a reason.
You’d think we’d know automatically what that “reason” was. Sometimes it takes us a while to recognize our purpose. It’s like God doesn’t think we’re ready to handle it until his perfect time. When God’s will does come into focus for us, or when doors open that were otherwise closed, we can see what God can do.
God will always equip the ones he calls. It took me a long time to realize that. We don’t have to be perfect for God to use us. In fact, the broken or tarnished ones are often the people God chooses. I still haven’t mastered my Spanish, but I can tell you when I’m surrounded by sweet little Mexican faces looking up at me speaking ONLY in Spanish, I seem to understand enough. God gives me understanding and lots of love to share. Love speaks every language.
Take some time today to think about where you have seen God at work in your life, your family, your community, and in your friends’ lives. You’ll be amazed at all of the places God has been hiding in plain sight.
Let’s pray. Lord, I come to you with a grateful heart. You have created such a magnificent place for me. You always provide what I need. I ask for your direction in my life. Reveal to me the path you have chosen so I can be sure to not get off track. Equip me for action. I stand in wonder at your majesty and your fingerprints everywhere! In Jesus’ name. Amen.
