Job 1: 20 – 21 says, “Then Job arose (after the loss of everything) and tore his robe and shaved his head, and he fell to the ground and worshiped. And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the Name of the Lord”. Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God.” What a phenomenal testimony to Job’s character that he worshiped God, in abundance before the tragedies came his way, and directly after when he was bereaved of everything.
Jesus says in Matthew 13: 20 – 21, “And the one on whom the seed was sown on the rocky places, this is the man who hears the Word, and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no firm root in himself, but is only temporary, and when affliction or persecution arises because of the Word, immediately, he falls away,” How many Pastors have shed countless tears over members of their congregation who received salvation with great enthusiasm, and who are now no longer serving the Lord. Many of us have friends and family members who also have done the same. In all these things, which affect us deeply, we must continue to bless God and give Him Glory.
In the midst of persecutions or loss, our eyes and hearts must continue to perceive the goal to which we are going. Hebrews 12: 2 says, “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God”. Philippians 3: 3 and 7 says, For we are the true circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus and put no confidence in the flesh. But whatever things were gained to me, those things I have counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Verses 14 and 20 say, “I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Dearest Holy Lord Jesus: I commit to You all those who are suffering the loss of all things today. Come by Your Holy Spirit and bring overcoming Grace and comfort in the midst of their tragedies, and draw them closer to You. We pray especially for all those who are tempted to be temporal, and turn away from You. You, O Lord, search all men, to judge their thoughts and the intent of their hearts. Hebrews 4: 12b. May we be strengthened today in our resolve, to continue firmly in the directions and goals which You have set before us. Glory to You alone!
