As a young girl I had the opportunity to be apart of The International Order of Job’s Daughters. This organization nicknamed “Jobies” is for adolescent girls between 12 to 18 years of age. I have fond memories of my time as a Jobie. Many of the lessons I learned have served me well, from adolescence and into my adult life. As a Jobie, I memorized and recited large portions of texts from the book of Job. In fact, even now I can still recite portions of what I memorized 26 years ago. I’m not sure if as a young girl, I truly understood the depth of what I memorized. Now, I understand that the greatest lesson learned from the book of Job is that God is Sovereign.
Today was the Awards Program at Roanoke Valley Christian Schools. As part of the program my son’s 4th grade class recited Job 1:1-20. (When was the last time you memorized something this long?) As the children recited the following passage, I couldn’t help but think of the one child who was missing, the same child who received the “Courage” award. As the children recited Job 1:8 “Have you considered my servant Job?” my mind substituted the name Jacob. Today this young boy and his mother met with a team of pediatric specialists to determine treatment options in his battle with cancer.
After reciting Job 1:1-20, the class followed up by singing “Sovereign” by Chris Tomlin. I tried to maintain composure, but it was impossible. Tears fell down as my hand went up to worship. I had to bite my bottom lip to keep it from quivering and releasing an inner sob. All of a sudden, those words from Job that I had memorized decades ago flooded my mind. I thought about my friend’s little boy as his classmates sang these lyrics, “God, whatever comes my way, I can trust you.”
My current struggles seem miniscule in comparison to those around me. However, these struggles are not miniscule to God. The same God that proved to be Sovereign to Job thousands of years ago, is the same God who is Sovereign today! I am thankful, I can say with sincerity, “God, whatever comes my way, I can trust you.”
Job 1: 1-20
“In the land of Uz there lived a man whose name was Job. This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil. 2 He had seven sons and three daughters, 3 and he owned seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen and five hundred donkeys, and had a large number of servants. He was the greatest man among all the people of the East.4 His sons used to hold feasts in their homes on their birthdays, and they would invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. 5 When a period of feasting had run its course, Job would make arrangements for them to be purified. Early in the morning he would sacrifice a burnt offering for each of them, thinking, “Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” This was Job’s regular custom.6 One day the angels came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came with them. 7 The Lord said to Satan, “Where have you come from?”
Satan answered the Lord, “From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it.8 Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” 9 “Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied. 10 “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. 11 But now stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.”12 The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.”Then Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.13 One day when Job’s sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, 14 a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, 15 and the Sabeans attacked and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”16 While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned up the sheep and the servants, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”17 While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”18 While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said, “Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, 19 when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”20 At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship.”
~April
“May you and I be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith.” Romans 1:12
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