Home Tools for your Journey July 31

Friday, July 31

You have heard of the endurance of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful.
—James 5:11b

The endurance of Job is like a warrior going into battle with armor made of iron, wearing underneath the softest silk and a fragrance given him by his dearest loved one. The astonishing fabric and sweet odor would keep the warrior’s senses heightened, for he is not fighting for the glory of wining a battle, but rather is trying so desperately to keep his loved one safe. 

In the end, victory is achieved! Likewise, our minds should be forever saturated with God’s Spirit, and this should mirror our dearest love. Our armor, then, would be like Job’s.

It is very hard to adopt such principles when we unexpectedly find ourselves in the heat of battle. Yet we have been promised that God will never leave us or forsake us. Even though we may have to endure trying situations with seemingly no protection, God is always there with us!

Is our faith only at its strongest point when situations in life are at their best? Does our faith weaken when we suddenly experience turmoil and strife? The best illustration of endurance and faith that we can know is to pray through all things with the same words as Job, “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.” (Job 42:2)

Gracious God, give me the power and the will to stay forever emerged in your love, that my spirit may find strength when I'm at my weakest.