Job Chapter 27: Verses 23-27 (NLT)
Oh, that my words could be recorded.
Oh, that they could be inscribed on a monument,
carved with an iron chisel and filled with lead,
engraved forever in the rock.
“But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives,
and he will stand upon the earth at last.
And after my body has decayed,
yet in my body I will see God!
I will see him for myself.
Yes, I will see him with my own eyes.
I am overwhelmed at the thought!
2 Corinthians Chapter 1: Verse 4 (NLT)
He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.
Job would have had no way of knowing that the words he spoke would indeed be recorded for posterity in the inspired word that is the Bible, nor that his prophetic utterance would be used to bring comfort to millions of people, and used as part of a famous musical work. I know that it has encouraged and strengthened me.
How we respond to whatever circumstances we find ourselves in may have an impact on those round about us, even if we don’t realise it at the time. Whilst we should never react to any situation just for the sake of appearances, as Christians we hope that our testimony, which is basically the story of our journey as a Christian, will reflect the work of God, through His Holy Spirit in our lives. We may never face the same extreme situations as Job, but as Paul told the Corinthian Church, God will give us comfort and strength, and through our experience we in our turn can bring comfort, strength and encouragement to others when they need it.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for ensuring that those words of Job were recorded for posterity, and for the comfort and strength those words bring to so many. Help me to be careful to be guided by You, so that I too can offer comfort and strength to others when this is needed. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.