RTW January 20
Heavenly Activity
“Cry for help, but will anyone answer you? Which of the angels will help you?”
Job 5:1
My Takeaways
Something Old
The war of words is getting old, isn’t it? His friends are more determined on proving Job guilty that giving him real help.
Something New
Let’s remember that we know something that only God and Satan knew… we know of the conversation that took place. Job and friends knew nothing of the heavenly conversation between God and Satan.
There is a battle going on the heavenlies, heavenly activity that we can’t comprehend and will most likely never know about.
- Then he said, “Don’t be afraid, Daniel. Since the first day you began to pray for understanding and to humble yourself before your God, your request has been heard in heaven. I have come in answer to your prayer. But for twenty-one days the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia blocked my way. Then Michael, one of the archangels, came to help me, and I left him there with the spirit prince of the kingdom of Persia. Now I am here to explain what will happen to your people in the future, for this vision concerns a time yet to come.” Daniel 10:12-14
We have to think beyond our circumstances, better yet, think above them.
- Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us. We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.
Hebrews 12:1-2 - So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. 2 Corinthians 4:18
- Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. Colossians 3:2-3
Something to do
Remember God found Job worthy of this test. So, if I find myself in a battle that seems beyond me, know that I am worthy of the test and strong enough to pass it.
Job 6:29 jumped out at me today. “Stop assuming my guilt, for I have done nothing wrong.” I am to be careful to not assume someone’s guilt when they face suffering. It’s not always due to god’s punishment.
Great article about Job and his friends. https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/article/how-not-to-help-a-sufferer/
I enjoyed the article, thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much for the article!!!!!
Thanks for sharing! This article provides application.
So helpful! Thanks!
I needed this lesson today. I find it challenging to believe that God hears my cries but it says it right here in scripture. Lord Help me to believe that this applies to me!
Not receiving the answer I want, or the healing miracle In the way I envision it does not mean God isn’t hearing and answering. Why do I consider surgery NOT healing? Because I want the glory miracle! But like Job (and I know how this story ends) The miracle is in the process – in the walking out and through difficulty, pain, hardship. Lord let me use this time as opportunity to grow closer to you and to bring others closer to you!
I love “the miracle is in the process”. As I look at hard times, I see the changes produced during the process. A brief example has been my ongoing fight with depression. In the process I have learned how protect myself from worsening depression. I have learned to avoid isolation at all times, it is Satan’s greatest tool against us. And I have learned how to help others in a way I couldn’t have if I hadn’t experienced the depression myself and learned how to move through and out of it. The miracle occurred during the process and my depression lifted and I emerged a changed, stronger person.
In my experience I have found it to be just as much a miracle when God changes my heart while I am suffering as it is when He changes the situation that is causing me so much heartache.
This is a tough lesson, for sure. I think a lot of times that we as Christians, myself included, feel like if we pray and and do the right things, that God should resolve our problems the way that we feel is best. When He doesn’t or we feel that He doesn’t hear us, we feel betrayed or disappointed. But we don’t know the big picture. We don’t see the battles in the heavenly realm or God’s ultimate plan for the future. We only see the here and now. This was a good lesson for me to remember, especially on those days where I am wondering what God is up to!
Yes!
That is such truth. Thank you so much.
Wendy’s lesson and the lesson from my church today both hit the bullseye for me. I have cried out so many times. I do feel un-heard at times. I must learn to think above my circumstances. Thank you Wendy.
I especially liked Wendy’s Something To Do today and have made it mine too.
What really struck me was 6:26 “Do you think your words are convincing when you disregard my cry of desperation?” Wow people first situations second. Counsel not the problem, but the person ♡
I also had this verse underlined. Don’t belittle people’s experiences or suffering.
Yes! Gentle like Jesus
After reading today I have come to this conclusion. I need to understand people’s issues before I start offering advice. I need to think about what it would be like to walk in their shoes.
It’s always better to provide words of comfort and sympathy rather than advice or criticism.
My something to do today is to worship God for His mysteries and for His eternal limitlessness.