An Example For Us To Follow

Life is often times difficult and there are no easy answers.  So what are we to do?  Where are we to turn?  Let us look to history.  For those who have gone before us, have left us an example that we should follow.

Job was a man "down on his luck" as we would say.  He had every right to be angry and bitter, to question God.  He was an upright man who lost everything, his family, possessions and health.  All the things we hold so dear.  He could not understand why God had allowed it and his friends were no help.  Job found himself at that place of asking, "why?".  He even cried out bitterly, "It profits a man nothing that he should delight himself with God and consent to Him" (Job 34:9).

Job deserved an answer, right?  Well, he didn't get one and often we don't either.  Instead, God spoke of His power and sovereignty over the earth.  He questioned Job about creation saying, "Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge?  Brace yourself like a man; I will question you and you shall answer me.  Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation?  Tell me if you understand." (Job 38:2-4).  Who are we to think we know better than God?

Job's response was surrender.  He declared, "Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know...Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes." (Job 42:3,6).  Job trusted in the sovereignty of God and in due time he was blessed more than before (Job 42:17).

 It is only in complete surrender to God that our souls will find rest.  "Find rest, O my soul, in God alone; my hope comes from Him.  He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.  My salvation and my honor depend on God; He is my mighty rock, my refuge.  Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge." (Psalm 62:5-8)

Are you afraid to surrender?  Then seek Him, for He is faithful to be known.  When you know the truth of Him, and understand His love, you will find the peace to surrender.  For perfect love drives out fear (1 John 4:18).  "One thing God has spoken, two things have I heard: that you, O God , are strong, and that you, O LORD, are loving." (Psalm 62:11)  God is both able and willing to help.


We may not always understand His ways, but we can trust them. 

Even in the good times we are often disillusioned because worldly success does not satisfy.  There is only One in whom our souls will find satisfaction (Psalm 62:1).  Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness...(Matthew 6:33).