Job chapter 19 verses 23-25 (NIV)
“Oh, that my words were recorded,
that they were written on a scroll,
that they were inscribed with an iron tool on lead,
or engraved in rock forever!
I know that my redeemer lives,
and that in the end he will stand on the earth.”
I believe that God always answers our prayers. We may not however always get the answer we were hoping for. We will get a “yes”, a “no”, or a “wait.” Sometimes the answer is something we may not see for ourselves, but God provides the answer just the same.
I’m sure that Job could never have imagined when he uttered these words, that not only were they recorded and written down, but they have been read by, and brought comfort to many millions over thousands of years. And not only in their written form, but included in the works of Frederick Handel in his work, “The Messiah”, which perhaps even reaches those who have never read Job’s story in the Bible. Job may never have seen in just how miraculous a way his hopes would be realised, but God certainly answered. That’s a very big encouragement for us not to give up on the things we pray for. Perhaps that’s harder for us today in this time of instant action. But that’s another blessing of reading these words from Job. The very evidence is right there in front of our eyes. God is good!
Dear Lord,
Job may not have seen the full outworking of how You answered this prayer, but we are blessed to be able to. Help me to remember that when I become impatient to see how You will answer some of my prayers. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.