Scripture:
Job 23:10-14 ESV
[10] But he knows the way that I take; when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold. [11] My foot has held fast to his steps; I have kept his way and have not turned aside. [12] I have not departed from the commandment of his lips; I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my portion of food. [13] But he is unchangeable, and who can turn him back? What he desires, that he does. [14] For he will complete what he appoints for me, and many such things are in his mind.
Observation:
Job explains in verse 10 that GOD sees everything he does. There is nothing hidden from him. If we look back at the explanation of who Job was when all this started. We see a man who would offer sacrifice just in case his children had sinned. In verses 11-12, he retraces his steps, looking back and making the statement that he has not turned to the side. He has followed GOD. HIS word is what Job delights in. It is kept close to his heart. However, GOD’S ways are not our ways. That is made clear in verses 13-14. HE will accomplish HIS will, and HE will do it HIS way. Job knows that GOD is in control, and HE will not leave him the way he is right now.
Application:
How many of us can say our ways are blameless? The steps we take are all on GOD’S path. My point is that when GOD wants to move us to the next level, HE will make sure we are ready for it first. HE is in control, and HE sees our hearts. When we are ready, HE will move us. I want to flashback to Job’s story for a second. There was a description of Job at the start of it, and it said something to the effect of Job was an upright man blameless in all his ways. He was the kind of man who would offer sacrifice if there was a possibility of sin in his children. GOD was at the front of his mind and in the first position in his heart. GOD knew that and wanted to show it. So HE allowed for testing to show that Job was the kind of man that sought HIS face and not his hand. What are we seeking? Is it just HIS hand that we are looking for? I want to see HIS face. I want to know HIM. I hope you are in the same place. This much I do know is that GOD has the right to do whatever HE wants with what HE made. The thing about that is HE made me and HE made you. Are you being tested? Maybe GOD wants to move you to the next level, and HE is making sure you’re ready. I can tell you this. He will not put you in a place that you and HIM together can not handle. HE is in control, and HE will not start a work that HE will not finish. If you feel like you are in the middle of a test, you probably are. I know I am….. but also remember that at the end of the test, you will receive a crown of glory. Just hold on tight to the Father and know that HE is not going to leave you where you are.
Prayer:
Father, you have a right to test, us, and try to shape us more like your son. You know when we are ready for the next level, and you will put us there when we are, but in the meantime, let us seek your face. Let our desires be to know you. All too often, we look for your hand instead. If we could just see that seeking your face will bring your hand as well, then maybe….just maybe…. we would seek your face instead. I know I am not speaking for myself when I say I love you, Father. I know you have a plan that is just for me, as you do for all that is reading this. I pray that you continue to be the light unto our path and the lamp unto our feet. In the mighty name of Jesus, I pray amen.