SOAP 10/20/2015; Job 7:17-18

Today's reading: Job 6, 7, 8; Acts 12

S) "¹⁷ What is man that You magnify him,
And that You are concerned about him,
¹⁸ That You examine him every morning
And try him every moment?"

Job 7:17-18 (NASB)

O) Job was expressing his anguish about the unceasing test he was facing. He understood God was testing him, as indeed the devil, "the tester" had been released against him according to the will of God (although, he probably didn't understand that much detail, as he never actually mentions the devil, as we are told about those interactions separately in chapters 1 and 2). Job knew he was being tested, but he was full of despair, even sounding suicidal (see v.15). Even though he voiced his complaint freely, speaking his frustrations and confusion over the relentless trial he faced, they were always just that: expressions of raw emotion. He never blamed God, never forsook Him, never cursed Him.

A) Even though the trials are different, I have definitely felt this in the past. Whether it is something like continual financial struggle, or relentless temptation to sin, I have felt tested in a way that felt like it was never-ending. But it's not infinite. Even Job understood that. He spoke the truth of it in vv. 1 and 2. There is an end to the testing. For me, that was made even more clear by Jesus Christ. He told us that when He left, He was preparing a place for those who are following Him. He promised us His glory in the resurrection. As much as I could ever relate to Job, in feeling like my trials are unending, I must persevere and remember that there will be an eternal end, even if there never is a temporal one.

P) Father, at this very moment, I feel a respite from my testing. You have given me grace, that I am in a peaceful season, even if it is only for today. I know that You will test those who love You, because in that testing my love is proven. I know that the testing is not for Your knowledge, but actually for mine. I want to prove myself, God. I will be faithful, I will be obedient, I will persevere. I know that there will be tests that I fail, but I thank You for the mercy and grace that I will have through those failures. Even in my shortcomings, You will be glorified because of the gospel. So, whether in my testing or at my rest, whether in trials or in peace, be glorified in my life. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.