“the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord."

Job 1:21 AMPC

   I love the book of Job. I have been confronted, convicted, enlightened, encouraged, exited and empowered through it. 

   Here’s a man who was blameless and upright according to God, who had prospered, had possessions, children, wealth, and was even considered the greatest man of all the men in the east. Suddenly, he finds himself under ambush and grieving the loss of it all. Then after having lost it all, he endured painful physical suffering.

   His first response was to fall down in worship (Job 1:20) and practice no sin in spite of his experience. After some time however, his grief was great and he began complaining bitterly, wishing he was never born. Boldly, he goes on to blame God, accusing Him of having no cause. Where was Job’s focus now?

   His focus shifted. He began in worship, having his eyes fixed on God, but then went on to complaining, defending himself and practicing arrogance. He pitied himself, operated under the influence of anger and was without thanksgiving. He literally did not give thanks. It’s like he said to God, “Have You not seen me? Have You not seen my ways? What wrong have I done?” (up to Ch 32) It was as though he forgot how to trust God and the qualities of God’s character. His circumstances got the better of him, robbing him of his God-focus.

   I’ve done that. I’ve spent days, even seasons, complaining, lacking thanksgiving and blaming God. Yet I know thankfulness is a choice and when practiced breeds more thanksgiving because our eyes become trained to see the gifts from God even in the simplest things and during the most difficult seasons.

Nothing is wasted by God…..

By Inid Starrenburg

Inid lives in Alberta Canada with her 3 beautiful children and husband Ryan.  She is part of the Partners in Christ national prayer team.