Never Give Up On God!

"Never give up on God because He never gives up on you." - Woodrow Kroll

How many of you have felt, at one time or another, as if your back was against the wall, and everything was closing in around you? That everything and everyone was out to get you...maybe even God? Let me see a show of hands. If I could see you, I'd bet there would be plenty of them waving in the air... including mine!

Does this sound familiar? Most of us who live and breathe have traveled this path before. There was a man who experienced more than his share of adversity. And although the losses in his life were more extreme than most of us will ever experience, he never lost his faithfulness to God. His name was Job.

Here was a deeply devout man of God, who was richly blessed in family and in all other ways. Then suddenly, without warning, his life was turned upside down. Unbeknown to Job was that God had allowed Satan to directly attack him in order to test his faithfulness. (Job 1:12)

The intent of this was to illustrate God’s sovereignty and faithfulness during a time of great suffering. Although suffering the loss of his health, wealth, and family he remained strong and faithful to God (Job 1:22). In the meanwhile, he wasn't getting much sympathy or help from either his friends, or his wife, who actually suggested suicide! (Job 2:9)

Job’s friends, while trying to be supportive, wrongly advised him. Instead of suggesting that maybe this was a test from God, they blamed his troubles on personal sin. Ironically, one friend was half-right in that God wanted to humble him, but this was only a part of His test. (Job 4-37)

This serves as a really good lesson for us in our faithfulness toward God, as well. When troubles and misfortune come our way, of course we want God to help us. But the easiest thing to do is place the blame on something or someone else, and feel sorry for ourselves,

It just might be that God is testing what your faith is made of. Yes, you do all the right things like read scripture daily, consistently attend church, involve yourself in fellowship and community service, but is that really "kicking the tires," as they say, of your faith?

Job was probably at a very comfortable place in his life. He wanted for nothing, his family was doing well, his personal assets were impressive. He was feeling blessed, and indeed he was! However, that made him the perfect test-subject to see if his faith was really up to snuff.

When we sail through the choppy waters of life, it's very common to ask the question:"Why me, God?" We find it difficult to believe that He would send us into such a situation. But look at it this way. We really don't know why God does what He does. It's not for us humans to know. (1 Corinthians 2:11)

It could be that God is trying to drive the point across that He is the one who is running the show. Not you, not me. And that when it comes to faith, we sometimes talk a big talk. Anyone can claim faith, but is it the kind of faith that God wants and expects from us.

How are we supposed to learn what our faith is made of unless we are pushed to the wall now and again? Does God do this for His own enjoyment? No. We can consider it for our own growth as Christians. Too many give up in their darkest hour, when the sunrise was just a few, short moments away.

Fortunately, it all worked out well in the end for Job. He finally understood that we don't always know why God does what He does in our lives, and never will (Job 42:1-3). He humbles us and brings us closer to Him by churning the waters now and then. As always, He does this in complete love for His children, and never to harm us.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 2:13; John 16:33; Romans 3:3; Psalm 9:10; Romans 8:28

Prayer: Dear Lord, in times of trial and adversity, I worry not; knowing that my help comes from You who made heaven and earth. Amen

May God bless you all!

Kasey