The Patience of Job -- Really!

One of my dear friends has been experiencing so many tragic and trying issues this past year. First, there was a house fire in which they lost most of their possessions and their home. Then, there was an issue where a family member was brutally shot and the spouse was charged with attempted murder. The parents are getting older and they’ve assisted with caring for the father because of an extended illness. There have been issues with a child misbehaving and grades in school have slipped. To top it off, recently, another child has been very ill and may very well have a chronic illness.

All of these issues remind me of the Book of Job. If you don’t know the story, you should read it. Job was a true and faithful servant of God whom Satan caused all kinds of calamities – lost all of his children and his possessions. Then he caused great pain and suffering upon Job’s body. His friends, AND his spouse said that he should just curse God and die.

Job, being a God-fearing man, refused to listen to those close to him and remained faithful and prayerful. At the end of the book of Job, God blessed Job with more children and more possessions than he ever had.

My friend, who is so faithful and God-fearing remind me of Job. My friend is always prayerful, always smiling, never has anything bad to say about anyone. You know Satan doesn’t bother those who are already doing his work.

Through all of the issues faced by my friend, I can still see the blessings showered upon that family; and I know it’s because of their faithfulness and constant prayer life. They praise God through all of their trials and tribulations.

Isaac Caree has the perfect song that illustrates that kind of faithfulness – In the Middle. In this song, he states:

Tears rolling down your face
And your heart feelin' like it's gon' break
And your earth feels like it's 'bout to shake
And you’ve taken all that you can take
Just remember where your help comes from
Realizing you got somewhere to run
Don't worry 'bout what you're going through
Instead of worrying, here's what you can do
Praise him anyway
In the middle of it

How many times have you felt like your earth was about to shake and you’ve taken all that you can take? How prayerful were you in the middle of your situation?

We are all guilty of praising and giving thanks when things are going good. But how thankful are we when we are faced with a crisis? You can have the worst day ever, but, there is always someone worse off than you. We have to remember to say thank you. But for God, we might be worse off. We have to give thanks for everything, little or big. Did you get up this morning? Did you have a meal today? Gas in your car? Did you put your own clothes on? Do you have two feet to put shoes on? Are you able to read this post? Give God praises for everything. “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be known to God”. Phillippians 4:6.

I know it’s hard, as I am not excluded from crisis from time to time. We have to remain faithful and “trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him and he will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6.

Through all of the trials that my friend is going through, I can still see the blessings that God is bestowing upon that family. As God-fearing Christians, Satin will temp us from time to time and will send calamities our way. It is how we praise God and give thanks in the middle of our crisis that will allow us to overcome.

Yes, my friend does have the patience of Job, and that family will overcome in time. In the meantime, please keep them and others facing crisis in your prayers.