Opportunities

This has been a comfort to me as I mourn the loss of my mother this week.

From: The Word For Today - Bob Gass Ministries

Job 1:20 "Job... fell to the ground and worshipped."

Every day God sends us opportunities for Spiritual growth - disguised as problems.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the life of Job the patriarch. After losing his house, his children, his livestock, and his health, the Bible says, "Job… fell to the ground and worshiped." That's not the normal human response to tragedy, is it? Job didn't react that way because he understood everything that was happening to him. No, he rose up and did it in spite of his circumstances!

He was able to respond that way because: (a) He looked up! In the midst of his troubles, Job saw the God who promised to direct each step we take. More importantly, he trusted God's heart of love and recognized His sovereign right to decide all things. (b) He looked forward! He reminded himself that in the final analysis God will make everything right for us. (c) He looked inside! He knew that God was teaching him something valuable through this experience: "When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold" (Job 23:10). Like clay in the hands of the potter, Job decided to trust God.

That kind of thinking was no easier for him than it is for you. Our human nature always wants to cling to the familiar and return to the safety of yesterday, even though we know it's not where God wants us. The fears, surprises and adversity that lie around the bend make us want to cut and run. But if you do you'll short-circuit God's plan for your life. So what should you do? "Stand… still, and see the salvation [deliverance] of the Lord." (2 Chronicles 20:17) because trust always leads to deliverance.