Bible Reading: Job 23-25; Acts 10:24-48.
“But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold” Job 23:10 (KJV).
The bible says in Psalm 34:19 (KJV), “Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.” The above quotation of our focal scripture was one of Job’s very outstanding statement made out of the furnace of affliction. He was a victim of divine permission given to Satan to afflict as a test of fidelity and believe in God. A synoptic review of the suffering of Job shows that Satan, having been given permission to try Job, gave all in his arsenal to ensure that Job disappointed God. However, the bible recorded that in all these Job remain steadfast and trustful and obedient to his God and never for once doubted God’s existence. Hear Job in Job 13:15(KJV), “Though he slay me, yet will I trust him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him”. This is a clear testimony of trust and believe. He held on steadfastly and unshaken in his trust because he is deeply rooted in God, hence he could say in the climax of his suffering, ‘but he knoweth the way that I take’. He acknowledges his suffering but adjudged God all through his suffering as true.
Job is a living example on the path to take in our times of affliction. He did not only believe God for the moment but held Him true for all ages, hear him in Job 19:25(KJV), “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth”. This is an unimaginable and unquestionable trust exhibited by an individual whom we were never told he saw God before this time.
Every level in life has a certain test to pass to get there. It is expected that in a sound educational system you must pass certain test to ascertain your readiness and preparedness to move to the next class or level. So also it is in God’s school of life especially being in line to fulfil destiny. When the bible says many are the affliction of the righteous, it is clear He meant the righteous. When affliction, which the Webster dictionary defined as great suffering, comes our way we must understand that we are being prepared for a higher level, both spiritually and otherwise. What matters in our time of affliction is how we respond to such affliction. Do we present our affliction before God and drop it at His feet in absolute trust? Or do we renege in our believe and trust in Him?
Many vibrant believers have backslidden because of affliction that came their way. Some question the existence of God in their heart. Some allow doubts and murmuring against God take over their heart and consequently slide into atheism. If not for the strong believe and faith in God, Job’s friends would have caused him his salvation. During affliction who are your friends? What advice do you allow the comfort of your ear? Do you go about seeking sympathy or are you holding on strong in God? Whatever affliction you are going through as a true believer in Christ, please note that God has a glorious plan for you. The affliction of a righteous man is a purifier and a refiner for a higher thrust and level in life that will show forth your inestimable value to the world just as gold. Job said, “When he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” For you as a pastor hear what the bible says concerning the affliction you are passing through, “And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness” Malachi 3:3 (KJV).
It is an erroneous believe that when you become a Christian you will not pass through affliction. What the scriptures promise is that affliction will come but God will deliver us from them all. Hear what the Psalmist said in Psalm 119:67&71; “Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now I have kept thy word It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes.” God uses affliction to draw us closer to Himself. See and read the divine promises as encapsulated in scriptures as it relates to the afflicted in Isaiah 54:11-15(KJV).This is the reason why we need to run to the Almighty God through His son Jesus. Jesus Christ is our buffer in times of affliction. Hear what the bible says in Psalm 27:5(KJV), “For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock.”
So my dear reader seek Christ now and be a recipient of the Redemption He gave us freely.
Prayer: Oh God grant me the spiritual tenacity to overcome affliction and pass my test when it comes.
Pastor Joel Ezeugo