SOAP 11/13/2014; Job 39:22-25

Today's reading: Job 39, 40; 1 Corinthians 13, 14


S) "²² He laughs at fear and is not dismayed;
And he does not turn back from the sword.
²³ The quiver rattles against him,
The flashing spear and javelin.
²⁴ With shaking and rage he races over the ground,
And he does not stand still at the voice of the trumpet.
²⁵ As often as the trumpet sounds he says, 'Aha!'
And he scents the battle from afar,
And the thunder of the captains and the war cry."

Job 39:22-25 (NASB)

O) The LORD is speaking in this chapter, about the nature of His various creations. In this passage, He is speaking about a majestic war horse. It starts from v.19, and the when the passage about the horse ends at v.25, we get the image of a powerful, fearless, purposeful animal, that was also ready. The horse was immediately ready to answer the call to battle, and let nothing stop it.

A) There is a purpose, a calling God has for me. He created me with specificity. He created me at a particular time, in a particular way, with a particular reason. Understanding God's will for my life is important. Chasing after that will is necessary. I want to answer His call to arms (spiritual call, per Ephesians 6) with an immediate, "Aha!" Without fear or dismay, fully equipped, with urgency, I want to run into the fray. I need to make a battle plan so that I am ready to run when His trumpet sounds.

P) Father, You are a perfect Commander, understanding the battles that make up a war. I fully trust that You have the war won! Every victory is in Your hands, and when the dust settles, I know You alone will be victorious. I understand that Your eternal, ultimate victory does not depend on my actions, but I also know that You invited me to join You in the fight. It is an honor to know that I am called, and the battles are varied and broad. Open my eyes to see where the fights are, and who is the true enemy, and then let me fight for my King. I know that there are specific battles that are coming, and You want me to fight through them. Help me to take action now, to be equipped and ready. Give me confidence in how You have created me, and let me answer Your trumpet powerfully, fearlessly, purposefully, and immediately. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.