Facing Adversity

Scripture

When three of Job’s friends heard of the tragedy he had suffered, they got together and traveled from their homes to comfort and console him.

~Job 2:11, NLT

Quote

With friends like Job’s; who needs enemies?

~Ya’akov

Charles Stanley mentioned facing suffering and rejection in his October 5th entry in EVERY DAY IN HIS PRESENCE. I have suffered just enough to know that I do not want to suffer. I assure you, intense pain can destroy your will to live and we certainly need to pray for those who are suffering. But it was the word “rejection,” that jumped out at me. How much rejection have I faced? Not much! Compared to Job and Jesus, my suffering physically or emotionally is not worth discussion. Sure, I have faced rejection and I know the pain it can cause. Rejection can break the heart. May God make me compassionate so that I do not project that kind of emotional pain on others. As I meditated on Stanley’s words, I began to feel sympathy for folks like Job who  suffered intensely both physically and emotionally. Job lost his children to a storm. Then, he lost his wealth. He also lost his health and although he understood clearly that God allowed it all to happen; he had no clue as to why God allowed it to happen.

The saddest part of Job’s story is the rejection he faces. His own wife and family {siblings} rejected him. When his so called three friends show up, they are condescending and judgmental which is the last thing that Job needs. He needs love, sympathy and help. Job is homeless; living at the city dump, he needs a place to stay. He is getting no medical attention; he needs a doctor. Job does not feel like discussing philosophy or theology. He just needs to know that some one cares. His guilt or innocence is not the point; he wanted to be loved unconditionally by someone of importance. All his friends give him is advice which is the last thing he needs. Job is so low that even the homeless reject him. I must confess, I have never experienced the level of loss, pain or rejection that Job faced and I doubt seriously that I could handle it.

I don’t want to be Job. I don’t want God to make me an example of pain and suffering but neither do I want to be his family or friends. I get angry with them every time I read the story. I don’t want to be the kind of spouse his wife was and I don’t want to act like his siblings or friends. Do you kick a man when he is down? Job’s wife did: “How long are you going to cling to your integrity? Why don’t you curse God and die?” She didn’t care about Job, she was anxious to cash in his life insurance. This heifer was a piece of work. God said Job was the best man on earth and I agree. Most men would have put a slug right between her eyes. Job had to be a good man to put up with her. When the LORD restored him, he took her back and then here comes all his brothers and sisters for dinner. This is why I believe Job sits next to Jesus. It takes a good man to forgive these kind of transgressions. If I had been Job, I would have said to all those brothers and sisters, “Where were you when I needed you?”

Extra

Another brisk fall morning. Pray for our friends that are suffering and for a little rain, amen! I hope you have a good day and thanks for reading the blog. June and I have a day trip planned. Lord willing, we will not be gone long. We are headed to Ethridge, Tennessee.

Ethridge, Tennessee Photo by Destiny Doremus | Amish country, Short ...

 

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