Job chapter 23 verses 9-12 (NIV)
When he is at work in the north, I do not see him;
when he turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of him.
But he knows the way that I take;
when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.
My feet have closely followed his steps;
I have kept to his way without turning aside.
I have not departed from the commands of his lips;
I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.
Job chapter 24 verses 22-23 (NIV)
But God drags away the mighty by his power;
though they become established, they have no assurance of life.
He may let them rest in a feeling of security,
but his eyes are on their ways.
When children are very little, they often don’t realise that others can see them, even if they themselves think they are hidden. The game of peek-a-boo which brings them delight at a very early age, is a classic example. This passage from Job is a reminder that God sees all that is going on, even if we can’t see how He is moving in our lives.
Job felt that in his suffering he couldn’t see God’s hand or presence on his life at that time, but nevertheless he believed that even although he couldn’t see God, God could see him and not only that, God would also bring him through this time of testing. Still in all of this, Job has continued to maintain his integrity. To do so, even when we can’t see what God is doing is what real faith in God is. And Job had that. Job was also aware that those who were living to please themselves without fear of God, were still under God’s eye, even if they didn’t realise it, or didn’t believe it. That’s why we must never allow ourselves to get too caught up in what others are doing, even if it seems unjust or unfair. God hasn’t overlooked it, and He will deal with it in His time. Our task is to keep walking on the path God has for us and keep trusting in Him, even when its difficult. He will bring us through.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for the example of faith in difficult times. Help me to follow Job’s example no matter what others try to tell me, or what I see around me. Help me to trust that I too will come forth as gold if I continue, in spite of hardship, to stay close to your steps. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.