When Tested

I have been reading the book of Job.

Are you still with me?

I used to dread this book. I was intimidated by it. To be honest, mostly, I just didn't like it.

I have been taking it slow this time, settling on portions of passages, meditating, waiting for revelation, and desiring more.

This time I want to learn from Job's experience. I don't want to go through what he did, but I want to glean from the treasure he gained from his trial.

Some of the verses have literally melted my heart.

Yesterdays passage echoes deep within me:

"Look, I go forward, but He is not there,

And backward, but I cannot perceive Him;

When He works on the left hand, I cannot behold Him.

But He knows the way that I take;

When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.

My foot has held fast to His steps; I have kept His way and not turned aside.

I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured

the words of His mouth

More than my necessary food."

Job 23:8-12

Job could not see nor could he begin to grasp what God was doing in his life. He could not see or hear God during the testing. But his faith assured him that God could see and hear him. Job made a choice to be faithful through it all.

Being tested.

Difficult.

Not fun.

But God has something to prove and that is that faith works. I believe that God knew that Job would pass the test. He knew that Job would remain faithful no matter how hot the fire. Job's steps were ordered of the Lord before the test began and the Lord knew Job would keep his foot on the righteous path remaining faithful through the test. God believed Job would make it and blessed him with grace to make it through.

Are you in a season of testing?

Are you having trouble seeing or hearing your God?

He sees you.

He hears you.

He is closer than you feel ... like right next to your heart.

Remain faithful. He will.

Sharing from my heart with you today while speaking to myself.

With blessings.