Bible reading: Genesis 37-38; Matthew 24:1-26
“Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty: For he maketh sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth, and his hands make whole.” – Job 5:17-18
Job was a righteous man who was seriously afflicted by the destructive hand of Satan, causing him deep distress and pain.
Although he kept silent for a time, Job later cried out to the Lord in anguish, making his three friends to respond with a series of long, self-righteous speeches to explain the shocking chain of events in Job’s life.There is, however, much truth in this particular verse, and Eliphaz is reminding Job, and believers today, not to despise the chastening hand of the LORD which comes from the loving heart of our Heavenly Father: “For He makes sores but also binds up. He wounded, but His hands also heal.” Job 5:18
In this world we will suffer trials and pain, but we also know that those who fellowship in Christ’s suffering will receive a wonderful, heavenly reward.
Paul encourages us to be patient in affliction and to endure hardship as a good soldier of Christ Jesus, “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.”- 2 Timothy 2:3, while James instructs us to consider the trials and suffering we go through as a great joy, knowing the testing of our faith produces endurance, which in turn brings our hope and trust in the Lord to its completion. “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.”– James 1:2-3.
Evil in this world comes as a result of sin, and although suffering may result from our own sinfulness, we can also be afflicted through the sins of others or by an assault from the enemy of our soul. However, God in His grace uses all things together for the good of those that love Him and are fitting into His plan. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to the them who are the called according to His perpose“ -.Romans 8:28.
We may not understand why we experience certain problems and pain in our lives, but if we are willing to submit to His chastening Hand and trust in the LORD with all our hearts, even when we don’t understand, we will discover that when he has tried us, we will come forth better than in our latter like pure gold to His glory.
Prayer: Father, thank you for working all things together for our good in Christ Jesus.