12262020 Not Fair?

Dear Missionary Lady,

Greetings in the name of the Righteous God. There are so many reasons to be thankful for that aspect. One of those is the knowledge that He always does what is right.

Lesson #19. Trials can tempt us to think that God isn't fair. In a personal trial, this thought is generally regarding God's treatment of us in particular, but it can expand to consider the world in general. We think that we (or people in general) just should not be treated this way.

Like Job, we may not see any legitimate reason for our suffering, and there might not be one, humanly speaking. Job could not come up with a reason to justify why God was causing or allowing his situation. "I will say unto God, Do not condemn me; shew me wherefore thou contendest with me. Is it good unto thee that thou shouldest oppress, that thou shouldest despise the work of thine hands...? Hast thou eyes of flesh? or seest thou as man seeth? Are thy days as the days of man? are thy years as man's days, that thou enquirest after mine iniquity and searchest after my sin? Thou knowest that I am not wicked; and there is none that can deliver out of thine hand'" (Job 10:2-7).

Job argued in these verses that there was no reason for his condemnation. He questioned whether it was appropriate for God to destroy what He had built up. He wondered if God had any idea what it was like to be a frail human. Finally, he asserted his innocence and the expectation that innocent people should be delivered.

Job was right about his innocence. God Himself had said it was so. But Job's guilt or innocence wasn't the issue. This trial had nothing to do with what Job deserved. The situation wasn't about God's being fair or not fair. Rather, it was about God's doing things that were beyond Job's vision.

God is indeed deep beyond our understanding. Nothing is hidden from Him or beyond His perception. Zophar reflected on the incomprehensible greatness of God: "Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection? It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know? The measure thereof is longer than the earth, and broader than the sea. If he cut off, and shut up, or gather together, then who can hinder him? For he knoweth vain men: he seeth wickedness also; will he not then consider it?" (Job 11:7-11).

These words, indicating that God is of a scope that we cannot comprehend, is reminiscent of God's own words about Himself: "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts'" (Isaiah 55:8-9). The truth is that God is so grand that we cannot comprehend Him. God sees every aspect of situations so complex that we see only one small slice of them.

We tend to see only one aspect of a trial and to focus on a single issue, usually whatever is the most personal, but God sees many things at the same time. Often when people have questions and doubts within a trial, they aren't questioning God's practice in general, but what relates to their personal circumstance. In general, they know that God does right, that He uses even bad things for His purposes, that sometimes people are affected by the inevitable ramifications of living on a fallen planet. They might even make those conclusions regarding the trials of others. It can be harder to process that "sometimes" and "some people" when it gets personal.

Abraham found himself in a situation that affected him personally. He learned that Sodom and Gomorrah were about to be destroyed. That probably seemed appropriate and understandable for most of the people in those cities, but some of Abraham's family lived there. Abraham believed they were righteous and did not deserve to be destroyed. He pleaded with God, "That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?" (Genesis 18:25).

Abraham may not have understood everything about the situation, but He knew some things about the character of God. He knew that God deals justly. And He does. Justice may not be the only thing going on, and God may not deal with justice first, but He always does what is just. The just God answered the concept of Abraham's prayer - not the exact deliverance Abraham had in mind, but He did rescue the righteous from among the wicked, as Abraham had requested. God is right and does right always (Psalm 119:68).

So this is the challenge for us. To recognize, especially when trials get personal, that God always does right. He understands far more than we possibly can. God may be working to accomplish a purpose that we can't even see, or He may be finalizing some other aspect first before He brings final justice. In our minds, God might seem unfair, but He never is. In the end, the Judge of all the earth will do right, but He may accomplish many other things before we see the obvious demonstration of His justice.

"Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou make me thus?" (Romans 9:20). It is not always easy to be humble and compliant when it is our own life that seems messed up, but it is necessary. Oh, that God would give us the grace and confidence to trust that He has a plan and that He is doing His good work even when we are in the dark about what that is. Justice will come, but God must be given free rein to accomplish all that He sees and desires to accomplish in the process.

May God bless and grow both you and your ministry in the coming year.

Love in Christ,

Peggy Holt

member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA

12192020 Self-Examination

Dear Missionary Lady,

Greetings in the name of the God of forgiveness and restoration. God is constantly doing these wonderful works in our lives, and He is quick to respond to us when we reach toward Him. Although this particular lesson may not be as encouraging or pertinent for you specifically, it is the next lesson in my study of Job, and I trust that God will use it as He sees fit.

Lesson #18. Difficult trials prompt self-examination. When we don't know what is going on, our minds explore various possibilities, seeking truth or a framework for understanding. Our questions may or may not be valid, and our conclusions (if we are able to form any) may or may not be correct. Nevertheless, it is common for our thoughts to consider ourselves and to evaluate in multiple directions.

In his own trial, Job didn't have many answers, and his lack of answers caused an explosion of questions. One of his questions was whether he had sinned in some way that was prompting judgment from God. He did not think that was the case, and he repeatedly maintained his integrity, but the question did not completely go away.

Job didn't know what (if any) his sin was, but he considered the possibility that there might be one. In fact, he considered that it might be something so terrible that it would lead to God's ending his life. From where Job sat, death seemed to be the most likely outcome. He didn't know for sure if this was God's intention, but he did recognize that there are sins that bring a sentence of death to the one who commits them.

That his death seemed imminent was inescapable. Job uttered, "O remember that my life is wind: mine eye shall no more see good. The eye of him that hath seen me shall see me no more. ... I would not live alway: let me alone; for my days are vanity. ... For now shall I sleep in the dust; and thou shalt seek me in the morning, but I shall not be" (Job 7:7-8, 16, 21).

These morbid thoughts were inextricably connected to a sense of God's judgment. In this same conversation, Job said to God, "Thou settest a watch over me ... Then thou scarest me with dreams, and terrifiest me through visions ... What is man, that thou shouldest set thine heart upon him? And that thou shouldest visit him every morning, and try him every moment? How long wilt thou not depart from me, nor let me alone till I swallow down my spittle? I have sinned; what shall I do unto thee, O thou preserver of men? why hast thou set me as a mark against thee, so that I am a burden to myself? And why dost thou not pardon my transgression, and take away mine iniquity?" (Job 7:12, 14, 17-21).

Even though Job believed himself to be undeserving of harsh judgment, he could not completely eliminate the possibility from his thoughts. The truth is that trials are proper times to consider one's heart and the possibility of sin. If there is sin, trials are a good time to identify and deal with it. Zophar gave sound counsel: "If iniquity be in thine hand, put it far away, and let not wickedness dwell in thy tabernacles" (Job 11:14).

Eliphaz gave this encouraging reminder: "Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee. Receive, I pray thee, the law from his mouth, and lay up his words in thine heart. If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up, thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles, ... Yea, the Almighty shall be thy defence" (Job 22:21-23, 25). The truth is that God is ready to forgive and restore when sin is confronted and confessed, and there are people who need to be urged to take this step.

The Bible is filled with stories of people who experienced God's judgment for sin, often through an illness, and the Bible teaches that this is a possibility (I Corinthians 11:30, James 5:15-16). Specific sin is not always the cause of suffering, however, and the Bible makes that very clear also. Regarding a man born blind, Jesus revealed, "Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him" (John 9:3). Often there are other causes or reasons for trials other than one's unconfessed sin (John 11:4, II Corinthians 12:7).

The truth is that a spiritually sensitive person is probably aware when there is a major heart issue. For this type of Christian, a time of trial should prompt the question, but it probably does not need to be a lengthy or oppressive ordeal. It should be an honest and sincere examination that openly evaluates and allows God to reveal any issues. "Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (Psalm 139:23-24). If God's Spirit reveals something, it can be dealt with, and if He doesn't, the believer can proceed with a sense of peace regarding this aspect.

Back to Job's story, the truth is that if Job had committed a sin worthy of death, God would have brought about that result. The fact that Job continued to live meant that God had plans and a future for him. God was not finished with him and was not finished blessing him. Job's trial was not the result of sin, it did not require his death, and it was only a matter of time before God lifted the oppressive trial. Even the darkest valley is often a temporary passage before God restores and again uses and blesses. Faithful believers will again see the evidences of God's approval and pleasure.

I pray you will have a wonderful week as you remember and celebrate our Savior's birth. May God continue to give you opportunities to share His message of hope and peace with those around you. Merry Christmas!

Love in Christ,

Peggy Holt

member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA

12122020 Seeking Answers

Dear Missionary Lady,

Greetings in the name of the Wonderful Counselor. Aren't you glad we serve a God who has all the answers?

Lesson #17. In the midst of a trial, it's natural to want answers. "Why?" might be the question that most readily comes to mind, but that certainly is not the only question. We do wonder about the trial itself, about its origin, its length, and its purpose. We also inquire about how we can handle the trial, how we can go on day after day, how we can do the right thing and glorify God through it. Often we question what we are doing wrong, perhaps what we may have done wrong to cause the trial, what we are doing wrong in our response to the trial, and whether our failures are extending the trial. Some questions might primarily be expressions of our helplessness, but other questions sincerely desire a response.

Job had many questions, and any number of verses would reflect his searching, confusion, and inquiries. He said to his friends, "Teach me, and I will hold my tongue: and cause me to understand wherein I have erred" (6:24). Just like we do today, Job wanted his friends and counselors to give answers to him. Job's friends tried. They came up with some good truth, but they had a major shortcoming. They did not know the big picture. They did not have a complete knowledge of God. They misinterpreted the situation based on their limited knowledge. As a result, they said some unhelpful and some very hurtful things to Job. They were not able to answer his questions.

Thank God for spiritual counselors who are compassionate, willing, and insightful. This is a gift and provision of God. Often God uses such people to guide us, refocus us, remind us, calm us, instruct us, pray with us, enlighten us. Many times God even brings along someone who has been through a very similar situation, and that person has a level of compassionate understanding that is particularly helpful and comforting.

Sometimes there isn't such a counselor. Geographic separation may prevent it. Our position might limit to whom we can go. The situation may be too sensitive to share with others. Our personality may resist sharing our deepest problems with others. There may not be anyone who really understands the dynamics of the situation or who can cope with its complexity. Human counselors will fail. Even those who earnestly try will sometimes say the wrong things.

Job became very frustrated with his human counselors when they seemed incapable of answering his questions with any satisfaction. Eventually he turned his attention away from them and toward God. He realized people were not going to be able to help him, but he believed that God could. Job begged for God to answer his questions and give him insight. "I would know the words which he would answer me, and understand what he would say unto me. Will he plead against me with his great power? No; but he would put strength in me" (23:5-6).

Job desired God's input and answer, and this is the right pursuit for us as well. If God were counseling me, what would He say? God understands every situation. God knows each individual. He knows exactly why the trial happened, even the complexity of multiple causes. He knows what He wants to accomplish. He knows the way out, and He knows how we ought to respond each day. He knows if correction is needed in our lives. God knows the answer to every question we have in the midst of our trial. When Job finally got answers, his help came from God.

Rarely, however, do we get a personalized explanation. There is no voice from heaven that outlines the specifics of our individual trials. (Even Job didn't get that.) We have a tremendous advantage today that Job did not have. We have the completed Word of God. The Bible has tremendous capacity to address individual situations because it gives fundamental truths and guiding principles that apply universally. The Bible is supernaturally effective because its truth transcends individual circumstances. Its truths are so powerfully and divinely wise that they apply to diverse situations. I once did a study of all the references I could find in the New Testament that addressed response to trials. My conclusion is that God has given us His answers. He has addressed all our questions.

I recall a time in my life when I had been deeply struggling. In His providence, God supplied a godly counselor at a critical time. This friend was helping me tremendously on my journey of restoration and revival. Then, by circumstances completely outside my control, I was geographically separated from this counselor, even though I was still very much in the midst of my time of need. We continued talking by phone on a regular basis, but one week when I was especially needy, she was unavailable even by phone. In that needy time, God gave me guidance through His Word. He guided me and enlightened me with His truth, even when no person was available. That was an exciting and rewarding experience to see God personally meet my need. God can do that, and He does it often.

We ought not to ignore people as sources of help. God wants us to help each other, and He instructs us in His Word to encourage and exhort one another. Just like it was for Job, however, the ultimate source we must turn to is God. He is the only one who truly knows all the answers, and He can reveal them to us and guide us through what we don't understand. That may require some humble submission, some earnest pleading, and some diligent searching, but God wants us to learn the answers to all of the questions that really matter. May you find Him abundantly sufficient this week for all your needs.

Love in Christ,

Peggy Holt

member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA

12052020 Just Keep Walking

Dear Missionary Lady,

Greetings in the name of our faithful God. Because He is faithful, we can faithfully continue to follow Him.

Lesson #16. Even when we don't know how a trial will turn out, we can be comforted in our faithful commitment to the foundation that we do know. Trials are unpredictable. We don't know the end, and we don't know all the twists and turns along the way. In the midst of uncertainty, we have a rock-solid foundation, and we have assurances that we know will never change.

These foundations rest in the most basics of what we know about God. We know He saved us. We know He loves us. We know He has all the answers. We know He understands. We know His way is right. We know He is good. We know His Word is true. Even when we struggle to comprehend the scope of our trial, and even if we have doubts, there are some unshakeable foundations in the depths of our hearts that we know have not changed and cannot change.

So here's the scenario. Life is out of control. We don't see an answer in sight. We don't know how to keep going. Even the next day or the next step seems impossible. In other words, we don't see the out-workings or the conclusions of all those foundational truths about God. In that dark hour, we make a choice to believe anyway. The foundations are so unshakeable that we know things will turn out right in the end; it's just the middle of the story that seems messed up and uncertain.

If the foundation is right, and if the end is going to be right, then in the middle, we just need to keep walking. That's what Job did, and his decision to do so brought him comfort. "Then should I yet have comfort; yea, I would harden myself in sorrow: let him not spare; for I have not concealed the words of the Holy One" (6:10). Job kept doing the right thing in the middle of the murky swamp. "My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined. Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food" (23:11-12).

Job was determined that for as long as he lived, he would just keep walking. He would keep following the foundational truth that he knew was right, even if this trial ended in his death, which is what he expected. "All the while my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils; my lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit. God forbid that I should justify you: till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me. My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go: my heart shall not reproach me so long as I live" (27:3-6).

In seeking an illustration, my mind goes to a swamp area with quicksand or to a minefield, both precarious situations in which danger extends as far as our eye can see. As we lie scared in the mud, a guide comes to us. He says that he knows the safe way out. So we hold onto his belt, and we follow him one step at a time. It might take hours to reach safety. During the entire process, we don't know any of the hidden dangers, and we never know the next safe step. We might not be able to see safety until the final step. But if we have confidence in our guide, we just keep walking, no matter how dark, dismal, or threatening our situation is. Our mind just keeps saying that there is safety, and that we are following the guide who can take us there.

In the meanwhile, it matters how we live. It matters that we continue faithfully in spite of the darkness. In 29:12-25, Job tells of his previous blessing from God and of the respect that he formerly had from others, because of his right actions in the past. Job later shares additional personal examples of how he had done right in his life previously and of how he intended to continue that. He recognized regarding God, "Does not he see my ways, and count all my steps?" (31:4).

If following God was important before, it is still important now. The path may be dark right now, but the foundations haven't changed. We may not currently see God's blessing, but God doesn't change. Following such a faithful God is the only answer, even when we currently see nothing but trouble. There is eventually an exit, and our faithful God will lead us to it.

In his final days, our pastor had a important message that he wanted to leave behind. Regarding God and the Bible, he implored others to share this message from him: "It's all true." Pastor was still in the middle of the swamp, and the night was getting very dark, but he was confident in God. Yes, it is all true. Someday we will see the answers. Some day our faith will be sight. Until then we can have hope, comfort, and encouragement in clinging to the foundational truth we know - and just keep walking on the path we know is right. When we get to the other side, we will be really glad we stayed on the path. It will be worth it all.

Love in Christ,

Peggy Holt

member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA

11282020 Thoughts Regarding Pastor

NOTE: Due to the personal nature of this issue, related to the death and funeral of my pastor, I am not publicly posting the full content. Below are the related Bible verses.

Pastor Griffith Funeral and Celebration of Life - YouTube

Dear Missionary Lady,

Greetings in the name of the God of all comfort.

"That ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words" (I Thessalonians 4:13-14,17-18).

I think it is similar to David's response after his baby's death. While Pastor lived, we did not know what God would choose and we were earnestly pleading for life, but once God showed His answer, and we no longer have that suspense and uncertainty, it changed some things for me. Now I know he is in heaven, that he is okay now, and that our corporate reunion is coming soon. 

"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work" (II Corinthians 9:8). "Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our tribulation" (II Corinthians 1:3-4).

Love in Christ,

Peggy Holt

member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA

11212020 Overwhelmed Internally

Dear Missionary Lady,

Greetings in the name of our sustaining God. Aren't you glad He holds us up when we are too weak to stand?

Lesson #15. The burden of internal grief resulting from the trial can be heavier than the trial itself. "Oh that my grief were throughly weighed, and my calamity laid in the balances together! For now it would be heavier than the sand of the seas: therefore my words are swallowed up. For the arrows of the Almighty are within me, the poison whereof drinketh up my spirit: the terrors of God do set themselves in array against me" (6:2-4).

What were Job's trials? Loss of finances, loss of family members, and loss of health. The loss of his children is the easiest to relate to internal grief; that makes sense. The other trials were external, physical things, yet Job's struggle and burden is deeply internal. In fact, his sorrow and complaints really did not take center stage until he became ill.

If Job's illness was the issue, why does he keep talking about this deep pain and struggle in his spirit? Wouldn't it be more logical to talk about wanting a physician or an herbal remedy or a procedure that would ease his physical discomfort? Why was Job so occupied with his internal struggles rather than talking about the practical surface problems? Job does at times give symptoms of his illness, but he spends very little time actually discussing his specific trials at face value. He never talks about rebuilding his herds, getting another crop in this year, or finding new servants. He doesn't even talk about missing his children or about to whom he will now devote himself.

This is an interesting observation about the way God made man as a multi-dimensional being. Man is a physical being, but he is also an emotional being and a spiritual being, and these components are inseparably linked. When one part of man becomes overwhelmed, the other parts are also impacted. We have limitations, and when those limits are reached, we have a tendency to struggle on multiple levels. And that happens for both men and women. Job told how prolonged suffering took its toll on him. "And surely the mountain falling cometh to nought, and the rock is removed out of his place. The waters wear the stones: thou washest away the things which grow out of the dust of the earth; and thou destroyest the hope of man" (14:18-19).

So there is this reality that trials that are external and physical in nature have a tremendous impact on our spirits. Our battles fall primarily in our inner man. That may not always seem logical, but it is nevertheless true. At times we might feel guilty that we are struggling so much, but our struggle is reflective of our human frailty. It demonstrates the multi-faceted nature that God has given us.

How do we respond and manage when our spirits are so overwhelmed? I found five Biblical references to an overwhelmed spirit. “From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I” (Psalm 61:2). “I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed” (Psalm 77:3). “A prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed, and poureth out his complaint before the LORD” (Psalm 102 title). “When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me” (Psalm 142:3). “Therefore is my spirit overwhelmed within me; my heart within me is desolate” (Psalm 143:4).

I gleaned six principles, each of which shows up repeatedly in the above verses and their surrounding contexts. First, call out to God. Second, know God's character. Third, lean on God. Fourth, think about God's works. Fifth, ask God for help. Sixth, determine to thank Him.

When we are overwhelmed, when our bodies, spirits, and emotions are facing more than we can handle, God is the answer. "Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved" (Psalm 55:22). May He uphold you this week, no matter how heavy the burden is. Happy Thanksgiving!

Love in Christ,

Peggy Holt

member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA

11142020 Pain Is Not the End

Dear Missionary Lady,

Greetings in the name of the Great Healer. Life has pain, but God heals. When life hurts, we can depend on His gentle touch.

Lesson #14. God works through pain, but He doesn't let pain be the end of the process. God does some of His greatest work through pain. Biblical declarations and examples of this truth abound. James 1:2-4 is perhaps the most powerful. "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing." Through pain, God matures us and makes us into what He wants us to be. He is the Master Potter, molding and remaking and perfecting, even through a process that is not comfortable.

Within God's plan, however, pain is never the goal or the intended end result. It is only the inevitable means of reaching the goal. When a successful surgeon performs surgery, the process includes pain, but when healing has occurred and the time of pain is past, the end result is a vastly improved condition. God works in the same way, and Job's friend Eliphaz recognized this truth: "Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty: for he maketh sore, and bindeth up: he woundeth, and his hands make whole" (5:17-18).

Eliphaz recognized that the pain and wounding were only the beginning of the process. God follows these with relief and healing to make the process complete. Eliphaz expounded on the blessings that would return when the difficult time was past: deliverance from multiple troubles, protection in times of danger, concealment from potential attacks, assurance in the face of violence, peace with nature, security at home, a prospering family, and a long and fruitful life (vs. 19-26).

In the midst of the difficulty, we cannot forget that the time of difficulty is not permanent. “Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law; For the LORD will not cast off his people, neither will he forsake his inheritance" (Psalm 94:12,14). Necessary chastening may come, but that never means God has abandoned His people. The time of trial is hard, but it is only in order to bring about a good result. “Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby” (Hebrews 12:11).

God does not take pleasure in the necessary pain, because He cares deeply for His children. He wants the best for them, and His loving heart is quick to alleviate the pain as soon as that is possible. “But though he cause grief, yet will he have compassion according to the multitude of his mercies” (Lamentations 3:32). “For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning” (Psalm 30:5).

The time is coming when God will finalize the growth process with His gentle, healing touch. He will complete what He has started. He will make the pain worthwhile, even as He eventually takes that pain away. “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you” (I Peter 5:10).

Oh, yes, the time of relief and healing is coming. The day is coming when we will realize that we are no longer in pain. The day is coming when we will take stock, and we will acknowledge much good that God has accomplished through the testing. Some day we will look back and evaluate, saying something like, "That was a really hard time, but life is so much better now that I often forget about the difficulty of the trial."

Is there any trial that will never end? No, not one. Even those trials that persist through the remainder of our brief earthly existence will rapidly fade and be forgotten when we reach heaven. "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away" (Revelation 21:4).

Not only will God use all pain for His great purposes, He will at some point end all the pain and usher us into a time of peace and joy. God can heal all pain. May you know His healing touch this week.

Love in Christ,

Peggy Holt

member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA

11072020 Our Amazing Helper

Dear Missionary Lady,

Greetings in the name of our amazing God. He is never at a loss to help us, and He can do what no one else can do.

Lesson #13. God is the right place to turn in the midst of suffering, because He is absolutely amazing. In the midst of suffering, we sometimes have helpful resources available to us: family, friends, church, doctors, lawyers, politicians, counselors, depending on the situation. At other times we seem to have few or no resources. Whether the other sources of help are many or few, God is the best and ultimate source.

Job declared, "I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause: which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvelous things without number" (5:8-9). What are some of these wonders? Job says that God waters the earth, lifts up the lowly, stops the plans of the crafty, and saves the underdog. Job later makes a very similar statement: "Which doeth great things past finding out; yea, and wonders without number" (9:10). In this passage, Job declares more wondrous works of God: God removes and overturns mountains, shakes the earth, makes the sun and stars shine, stretches out the heavens, and keeps the sea in place. God can do all of these great things because He is "wise in heart, and mighty in strength" (9:4).

God's mighty acts even become very personal. Job recalled that God is the one who made him and the one who had always taken care of him. "Thine hands have made me and fashioned me together round about ... Thou hast clothed me with skin and flesh, and hast fenced me with bones and sinews. Thou hast granted me life and favour, and thy visitation hath preserved my spirit" (10:8-12).

Wow! When we stop to consider just this small sampling of the mighty acts of God, we ought to be astounded. God made the heavens and earth, and He continues to control and uphold every aspect of them. God controls the affairs of men, stepping in to intervene, to protect the vulnerable, and to restrain the wicked. God has a very personal and intimate connection with each one of us, molding us and caring for us from our very beginnings.

The realization of how amazing God is should bring respect, reverence, and humility. Job recognized this. "Who will say unto him, What doest thou? If God will not withdraw his anger. ... How much less shall I answer him, and choose out my words to reason with him?" (9:12-14).

This concept of God's amazing-ness also brings great hope. I know who I want on my side. The one who made all the stars and holds them in place. I know who I want as my helper. The one who can shake the mountains. I know who I want to depend on. The one who carefully formed me - each tiny finger, each organ in place, each bone rightly fashioned. I know where I want my hope to be. In the one who overturns the devious plans of man and gives rescue to those who seemingly have no hope.

Yes, God is the answer, the defender, the redeemer, the sustainer, the rescuer, the helper. Because of God, "So the poor hath hope, and iniquity stoppeth her mouth" (5:16).

With such a great one on our side, we can indeed say, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea" (Psalm 46:1-2).

Love in Christ,

Peggy Holt

member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA

10302020 Life Is Trouble

Dear Missionary Lady,

Greetings in the name of the God of peace. Even in difficulty, we can have peace in Him.

Lesson #12. Trouble is part of life. We don't want it to be, but it is. Ever since the fall in the Garden of Eden, sin has had an terrible impact on our world and upon the people who live in it. "Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward" (5:7). "Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble" (14:1). The first quotation is from Eliphaz, and the second is from Job himself. Both realized this bleak reality regarding life.

Neither plentiful nor careful observation is required in order to arrive at this conclusion. It is said that good literature reflects life; one of the primary elements of literature is conflict. Even the most upbeat and positive writings often center around conflict. In something as benign as "Little House on the Prairie" or "Little Women" or countless other books and portrayals, the characters work through the conflicts that come as a regular part of life. The joy of the story is in working out the conflict to a successful resolution.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was most likely not a believer, although his writings are filled with Biblical content and God-centered insights. In his poem "The Rainy Day," he says:

The day is cold, and dark, and dreary;
It rains, and the wind is never weary;
The vine still clings to the moldering wall,
But at every gust the dead leaves fall,
And the day is dark and dreary.
My life is cold, and dark, and dreary;
It rains, and the wind is never weary;
My thoughts still cling to the moldering Past,
But the hopes of youth fall thick in the blast
And the days are dark and dreary.
Be still, sad heart! and cease repining;
Behind the clouds is the sun still shining;
Thy fate is the common fate of all,
Into each life some rain must fall,
Some days must be dark and dreary.

The Bible writers also acknowledged "the common fate of all." Peter addressed it extensively in his first epistle. "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you" (I Peter 4:12). "Knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world" (I Peter 5:9).

This truth about the universality of trouble can be heavy, but God always has hope to offer, even in a world damaged and suffering under the weight of sin.

David wrote, "Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all" (Psalm 34:19). Every difficulty is an opportunity to experience the gracious, intervening hand of our mighty God.

Moses taught, "The days of our years are threescore and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore eighty years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. ... So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom" (Psalm 90:10&12). In our short and challenging lives, we must seek to maximize the opportunities. Certainly, we must grow through the challenges so that we are better equipped to serve God during our brief sojourn.

Jesus spoke these hopeful words regarding difficulty in life: "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). Even in the heaviest trials, we can have peace in Him. And what hope! What reason for courage! Our Savior has overcome the world! He has conquered. Because of His victory, the day is coming when all our trials will be over. Meanwhile, the One with all the power in the universe is on our side, helping and encouraging us.

Yes, trials both large and small are part of life, but for the Christian, trials are opportunities for growth and for seeing God's power and deliverance on display. With God at our side, we can have peace, even as we wait for the victory.

May God give you peace through each challenge of this week, and may your eyes be fixed in hope upon our great God.

Love in Christ,

Peggy Holt

member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA 

10242020 Too Weak to Win

Dear Missionary Lady,

Greetings in the name of God our Strength. Aren't you glad that His strength is so much greater than our own?

Lesson #11. Man is weak, frail, and imperfect - unable to obtain victory on his own. Inaccurate philosophies abound in our times. Within counseling foundations and inspirational teachings, the idea is widespread that man is strong and can conquer anything. As society attempts to remove God from the picture, I suppose these types of philosophies have had to emerge in order for man to have any hope.

These philosophies might be worded "dig deep," "think positive," "you're stronger than you realize," "you can do anything you determine to do," "pull yourself up by your bootstraps," "a self-made man," "don't let this situation be stronger than you," "visualize the victory and fight for it," "create your own success," or "women are strong."

There certainly is a place for inspiring speech and for challenges not to give up; the Bible includes some of those, (although in the Bible, God is at the center rather than man). The idea, however, that man can conquer absolutely anything is ludicrous. Our humanity is weak and fallen, and it falters.

Job's friend questioned, "Shall mortal man be more just than God? shall a man be more pure than his maker? Behold, he put no trust in his servants; and his angels he charged with folly: how much less in them that dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation is in the dust, which are crushed before the moth? They are destroyed from morning to evening: they perish forever without any regarding it" (4:17-20).

I'm not sure if Eliphaz's understanding and observations were completely accurate, but his basic premise seems to be correct. Man is fallen and imperfect. God did judge the angels who rebelled. If angels can fall, how much easier for man to fall! In fact, as Eliphaz suggests, man does fall, sometimes under pressures that seem insignificant and in time frames so swift they seem shocking. That is reality about man.

Job himself admits such weakness. "What is my strength, that I should hope? and what is mine end, that I should prolong my life? Is my strength the strength of stones? or is my flesh of brass? Is not my help in me? and is wisdom driven quite from me?" (6:11-13). In essence, Job is saying that if it is up to his own strength to achieve the victory, he may as well give up right now. He doesn't have enough strength to get through to the end. He is not made of stone and bronze. Any hope of deliverance from within himself has fled.

It is possible to follow this line of thinking so far that one enters into helplessness and despair, and we don't want to go that far. On the other hand, within our trials, there must come a point of helplessness when we recognize that we don't have the ability in ourselves to gain the victory. It's just not in us. We have to cease striving in our own might so that we can turn to the One who actually can gain the victory.

"Cursed be the man that trusteth in man, and maketh flesh his arm, and whose heart departeth from the LORD. ... Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is" (Jeremiah 17:5&7).

"The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower" (Psalm 18:2).

"Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts" (Zechariah 4:6).

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made  perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong" (II Corinthians 12:9-10).

"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us" (II Corinthians 4:7).

"My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him" (Psalm 62:5).

"But be not thou far off from me, O LORD: O my strength, haste thee to help me" (Psalm 22:19).

In trials both large and small, we must be quick to run to God for our supply of strength and as the only possible source of victory. For us in our weakness, the victory is impossible, but for God in His strength, it is not even a challenge. May He strengthen you this week in every challenge.

Love in Christ,

Peggy Holt

member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA

10172020 When Self-counsel Fails

Dear Missionary Lady,

Greetings in the name of the best Counselor. How wonderful that we always have a source to go to in our time of need!

Lesson #10. Sometimes we struggle to counsel ourselves in the midst of trials. Eliphaz acknowledged that Job had historically been a person who gave good counsel to others. "Behold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands. Thy words have upholden him that was falling, and thou hast strengthened the feeble knees" (4:3-4).

Job lived early in the history of mankind, probably somewhere in the vicinity of Abraham's time frame. It is interesting that in spite of having no written revelation from God, Job was a remarkably godly man who lived out many things that God later instructed in both the Old and New Testaments. I did not realize before that Job's habitual helping of others was recorded as an admonition in the book of Hebrews. "Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; and make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed" (Hebrews 12:12-13). In this area, we are to follow Job's example.

How did Job help others who were struggling and faltering? It was by admonishing with words. Even though Job did not have the Bible, he had godly words to offer to those who were weak. What an advantage we have today to possess the completed Bible, which is filled with words to encourage and strengthen the hurting! The Bible is our source of help.

When this harsh set of trials came to Job, however, he had trouble counseling himself. Eliphaz continued, "But now it is come upon thee, and thou faintest; it toucheth thee, and thou art troubled" (4:5).

Sometimes, realizing the shortcomings of Job's friends, we are tempted to throw out everything they said to Job. This would be a mistake. It is true that the friends lacked understanding of all that was happening, and it is true that they failed to adequately comfort Job. However, they did say a lot of true things. These men had knowledge about God, which is to be expected of Job's closest friends. In the midst of the hurtful and condemning words they offered, these men did include some good and true words. Anyone who reads the book of Job with any attention will realize that these words of Eliphaz are true. Job did struggle to come up with answers. Like his friends, he had moments of brilliance, but overall, he was overwhelmed and floundering.

It sure would be nice in the midst of trials to find just the right words to say to ourselves. Ideally, we should be able to counsel ourselves, just as we have counseled others. But when we are overwhelmed by the immensity of a great trial, when we are crippled by strong emotion, we sometimes struggle to come up with the right words. We might even confront ourselves with this question: "If you were counseling someone else in this same situation, what would you say?" It's a good question, and sometimes it helps us to corral our thoughts and to focus on the right truth. Sometimes, though, our answer to that question is "I don't know." Any answer seems to escape us at the moment.

Actually, most of the time we really do know the truth from God's Word that would help us. It is usually just a matter of time before we settle our swirling thoughts and raging emotions. Either on our own or through the help of someone else, we come to truth, and we say, "I knew that all along." It was just a matter of remembering it in the difficulty of the moment. This can happen even to those who have actively and routinely helped others in the past.

In this dilemma of struggling to counsel ourselves, I have considered three solutions. First, we can use truth that we have prepared ahead of time. I typically struggle with the same things over and over again. Often as I have fought for victory, I have recorded truth and have written down appropriate Bible verses. Yet when I find myself in the same struggle, I forget to pull out the truth I have ready at my disposal! It might be a challenge to come up with new truth in the intensity of the trial, but when the work has already been done in the past, and all I have to do is read what I've already written, it shouldn't seem so impossible to counsel myself correctly. Whether for ourselves or for others, we often have verse cards or Bible studies already prepared, or maybe an appropriate book sitting on our shelf that has previously guided us in God's truth.

Second, we can have a "short list" of trusted friends. "Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow: but woe to him that is alone when he falleth; for he hath not another to help him up" (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10). There is danger in struggling alone, but there is safety and support in a trusted companion. For many, the list will be topped by a spouse. It may include a pastor or pastor's wife, a close friend, or a respected counselor. Our list might not be very long, but each of us should have a few people that we know we can go to when we are in trouble - people who will listen, who will pray, and who will give God's words.

Third, we can go to the best Counselor. "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him" (James 1:5). God wants us to seek Him when we are at a loss. He can easily direct our thoughts to the right Scriptures. I have had times when other counselors were unavailable, but God gave me exactly what I needed from His Word. That is a precious experience, and it's wonderful to know that even if our own experience fails us and even if no one else is available, God Himself can give us the very help we need.

Yes, when we are overwhelmed in the intensity of the moment, it can be hard to come up with the right answers immediately, but there are always right Biblical answers, and God is fully capable of directing us to them. He can meet the need of our souls. May God bless and direct you this week.

Love in Christ,

Peggy Holt

member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA

10102020 Life's Worst Trial

Dear Missionary Lady,

Greetings in the name of our faithful God, who never leaves us, no matter what.

Lesson #9. For each of us, there is a trial that will be the hardest one of our entire lives. Humans tend to forget some of the difficulty of past trials once the victory comes (John 16:21) and as memory fades over time, so it often happens that we perceive current trials as worse than those that came before, although they may not always be. Successive trials don't always get harder; sometimes they're different, and sometimes they're just really hard again.

For Job, (at least as far as Scripture indicates) this was the hardest. He had previously lived a life of blessing, and he entered a life of greater blessing afterward, but this trial was tough. Even his friends were overwhelmed and speechless at the magnitude of Job's suffering. It seemed like too much to bear. "And when they lifted up their eyes afar off, and knew him not, they lifted up their voice, and wept; and they rent every one his mantle, and sprinkled dust upon their heads toward heaven. So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that his grief was very great" (2:12-13).

Job's own words speak of his immense anguish. He wished he had never been born. "Why died I not from the womb? why did I not give up the ghost when I came out of the belly?" (3:11). He wanted to die. "Which long for death, but it cometh not; and dig for it more than for hid treasures" (3:21). He was in the middle of his worst nightmare. "For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me" (3:25). His life was ruined. "My days are past, my purposes are broken off, even the thoughts of my heart" (17:11). In other words, this was the worst it had ever been in Job's life, and apparently even the worst that he could imagine.

When we identify these worst times in our own lives, we must be anchored by remembering truth about God. This is why we have the rest of Job's story and the rest of the Bible. We know that Job did survive. We know that Job returned to a life of blessing. We know that God carried him through. We know that God is in control, that He cares, that He has compassion. We know that His grace is sufficient - even for the very worst times. Knowing that Job faced his worst and emerged gives us hope that God will do the same for us.

There is sobering aspect to this idea of a "life's worst" trial, which is that such a designation may be temporary. If we had asked Job after the third servant's message, he undoubtedly would have identified his current situation as the hardest trial of his life. And then the fourth servant came with the message about his children. Now Job could unequivocally state that this was his hardest trial. But not long after, it got even harder when his health was destroyed and he was left without support.

It happens that way in life. What we think is the worst may be only the worst so far. It frequently seems to be God's design to increase the difficulty as we go through life, as we grow in maturity, in order to bring about greater levels of growth. Not too long ago, I heard a pastor preach this concept, and something rose up inside me in protest. It made me a little angry (and not at the preacher). My thoughts were something like this: "That's not fair. If I ever make it through this challenging time that threatens to crush me, that should mark a time of relief. I want to lie on the other side of this, relieved that I made it through, that I crossed the hurdle and mounted the barrier. I shouldn't have to look up and see a greater barrier (ever again)."

But God has to be God, and I have to accept that. God knows what He wants to accomplish, and He knows how to accomplish His goal. It is truth that maturity comes through endurance, and it is truth that faith grows as it is tested, and it is truth that trials are preparation for service. God knows how hot He has to make the fire to get the desired result, and He knows that if He made it that hot the first time, it would kill us. So He gradually and progressively works up to what is needed. The help and maturity that He builds in us in lesser trials become the foundation for survival and increasing maturity in greater trials. We are equipped for the "hardest" by what God works in us through the lesser, as we realize that the same grace and truth that worked the last time still hold true.

Think of Abraham. Having to pack up and leave his family and homeland, not knowing where he was going. Hardest thing he ever had to do? No, Abraham, that was the easy one. What about Joseph, being hated and mocked by his brothers? Just wait. Or Moses, a fugitive, separated from his family, being a shepherd for forty years? Not so bad, considering what was coming. David, a lowly shepherd, barely even considered in comparison with his brothers? A minor annoyance. Each of these men faced much harder trials. Abraham was asked to sacrifice the child of promise for whom he had waited so long. Joseph, unjustly thrown into prison, languished for years, even forgotten when he thought he finally had hope. Moses, as an old man, wandered in the desert for forty years, trying to lead rebellious people who sometimes wanted to kill him. David faced civil wars with his own sons on the other side.

But if one trial is the hardest in life, that means that at some point the hardest will be past. That clearly happened for Job and for Joseph, as they entered times of prosperity and joy. As far as we know, Abraham never again faced a challenge as hard as the call to sacrifice Isaac. David reached a time of stability and even achieved peace with surrounding nations.

I don't want anything harder in my life. I don't even want more trials as hard as the ones I've already gone through. But what I really want is to be what God wants me to be. I want to have the testimony that these men had, of pleasing God, of finding His approval, of passing the test. If and when future trials come, O God, give me grace and help me to be faithful! And help me to remember that even in life's worst, You are enough.

May God bless you, my sisters, and carry you through whatever this week holds. If God allows, may it be a time of blessing, and if He chooses otherwise, may it be a time of growth.

Love in Christ,

Peggy Holt

member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA

10032020 Trust in God

Dear Missionary Lady,

Greetings in the name of God, our Rock! There are times when we especially need a Rock to cling to, and God is always there to be that for us.

Lesson #8. A godly man trusts God in the midst of suffering.

There are things that a godly man cannot do in the midst of suffering. Almost certainly, he did not choose his suffering. It is likely that he cannot change his suffering. It is probable that he does not understand his suffering, either the reason for it or what God is seeking to accomplish through it. It would be unusual if he knew when his suffering would end.

With so much that is unknown and that falls outside his control, the godly man remembers that God chose (or allowed) his suffering, that God can change it anytime He chooses, that God completely understands it, and that God knows exactly how and when it will end. The proper and logical response to these recognitions is to trust in the One who knows and controls all.

In part, that means to acknowledge God's right to send what He sees best. "But [Job] said unto [his wife], Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips" (2:10). Job had received much blessing from God, and now he was receiving what was difficult, but he trusted God enough to accept differences in life circumstances. This is like the lines from the hymn "Day by Day": "He whose heart is kind beyond all measure gives unto each day what He deems best - lovingly, its part of pain or pleasure, mingling toil with peace and rest."

Trusting God in times of suffering makes all the difference in the world. Those who don't trust God truly live in a precarious position. They are like a fragile rush, growing by the waters. "Whilst it is yet in his greenness and not cut down, it withereth before any other herb. So are the paths of all that forget God; and the hypocrite's hope shall perish" (8:12-13). This man withers easily. Not only that, but think of what his man-centered trust is like. "Whose hope shall be cut off, and whose trust shall be a spider's web" (8:14). He is hanging on next to nothing and has no real support. "He shall lean upon his house, but it shall not stand: he shall hold it fast, but it shall not endure" (8:15). This man flourishes in the sun (8:16) and may seem to be thriving, but he is nothing but roots wrapped around rocks, and he will soon be choked out. The place where he had been does not even remember him (8:18). His remains will be nothing but dust that others will build upon (8:19). Wow, we really don't want to trust in ourselves and our own strength, do we!

Even for those who trust God, our lives may seem precarious for a time, but when God is doing a work, nothing is as precarious as it seems. Look at the contrast for a man who trusts God. "Behold, God will not cast away a perfect man. Till he fill thy mouth with laughing, and thy lips with rejoicing. They that hate thee shall be clothed with shame; and the dwelling place of the wicked shall come to nought" (8:20-22). When all is said and done, the wicked will perish, but those who trust God will remain. They will be accepted by God, will be encouraged by God, and will be upheld by God.

Job's friend Zophar gave some good truth about the man who would "prepare [his] heart, and stretch out [his] hands toward [God]" (11:13). Zophar (wrongly) did not think Job fit into this category, but his conclusion about those who do was good. "And thou shalt be secure, because there is hope; yea, thou shalt dig about thee, and thou shalt take thy rest in safety" (11:18). Indeed, there is a profound level of trust that those who faithfully follow God can have. There is immense hope for them. There is security for them. Trusting God is a wonderful option.

Ultimately, there is no other option but to trust God, no matter what.  Job came to the point of saying, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him" (13:15). Whether Job is speaking of his illness leading to death, or of his standing before God to plead his case bearing the risk of death, the conclusion is the same. The point was that Job would trust God regardless of consequence, to the point of death if need be. In Job's estimation, anything God ever did would be right. Even if death was the result, God would be trustworthy.

Job was right. We can trust God. We must trust God. There are so many wonderful verses that reinforce this truth.

"And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, LORD, hast not forsaken them that seek thee" (Psalm 9:10). "Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident" (Psalm 27:3). "What time I am afraid, I will trust in thee" (Psalm 56:3). "He shall not be afraid of evil tidings: his heart is fixed, trusting in the LORD" (Psalm 112:7). "Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee. Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength [Rock]" (Isaiah 26:3-4).

When we trust God, is our trust a fragile reed? a precarious spider web? a rock-bound root? a field of empty dust? Oh, no! With God we have a faithful Defender, an unconquerable Commander, a reassuring Comforter, a strengthening Stronghold, an everlasting Rock. What a priceless blessing to have such a firm and dependable source for our trust!

Love in Christ,

Peggy Holt

member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA

09262020 Support When Abandoned

 

Dear Missionary Lady,

Greetings in the name of the ever-present God, the one who faithfully stands by us in every situation.

Lesson #7. Other people, even those closest to us, might not understand or support us in our struggle.

It does not seem that Job should have been so alone in his trial. There were many layers of relationships around him that should have offered comfort and support, but it appears that all of them failed.

How about his colleagues, business partners, or counterparts in society? "All my inward friends abhor me" (19:19). (Referring to those who would assemble, counsel, or consult together.)

Surely, children with their tender and compassionate hearts. "Yea, young children despised me; I arose, and they spake against me" (19:18).

What about faithful and devoted servants (the few that remained)? "They that dwell in mine house, and my maids, count me for a stranger: I am an alien in their sight. I called my servant, and he gave me no answer; I intreated him with my mouth" (19:15-16).

What about friends? Some friends are even closer than family. "Mine acquaintance are verily estranged from me" (19:13). "My familiar friends have forgotten me" (19:14). "They whom I loved are turned against me" (19:19).

Four friends did come, who from all appearances were genuinely impacted by Job's struggle and who sincerely desired to help him. These were godly friends, which we would expect of the closest companions of a godly man like Job. They had a significant amount of knowledge about God and wisdom concerning spiritual things. But their limited knowledge, their obstinate evaluations, and perhaps some impatience  caused their intended help to be painful, detrimental, and frustrating.

How about Job's extended family? "My brethren have dealt deceitfully as a brook, and as the stream of brooks they pass away" (6:15). "He has put my brethren far from me" (19:13). "My kinsfolk have failed" (19:14).

Notwithstanding all of these failures, there was one person who should have been of immense support to Job, his wife. It would seem likely that she shared his belief in God and had been following God along with Job through the years. Her role as his wife was to be his supporter and helper. Theoretically, she was the closest person to him.

When things got really hard for Job, "Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die" (2:9). In the thing that was most important to him, his faithfulness to God, she not only jumped ship but encouraged Job to abandon God also. Job later says, "My breath is strange [foreign, offensive] to my wife" (19:17). She didn't even want him close to her. I don't picture any tender ministrations at her hand or any faithful companionship. Her treatment really was one of rejection at a time that Job sorely needed support and kindness.

Quite understandably, Job felt these losses. He stated the ideal: "To him that is afflicted pity should be shewed from his friend; but he forsaketh the fear of the Almighty" (6:14). Job recognized the importance of godly support that helps the sufferer to continue faithfully with God. Instead, he felt abandoned by all. As hard as it is to be alone in trouble, the interactions or unfaithfulness of others cannot determine our own response. We must follow God anyway.

It is encouraging to know that God knows all about the abandonment and unacceptable responses of others. Just as God works His plan in our own life in His timing, God will also work regarding others in His timing. He may cause them to change their minds and acknowledge their shortcomings.

In the end, God rebuked the three friends for their wrong words. He instructed them to humbly go to Job and ask him to make prayers and sacrifices of repentance on their behalf (42:8-9). Thus there was an eventual restoration and renewed relationship with those who had previously abused Job with their words.

The family members and other acquaintances were also adjusted by God. "Then came there unto him all his brethren, and all his sisters, and all they that had been of his acquaintance before, and did eat bread with him in his house: and they bemoaned him, and comforted him over all the evil that the LORD had brought upon him: every man also gave him a piece of money, and every one an earring of gold" (42:11). There were a lot of people who had failed to support Job properly who eventually came around.

Even better than the possibility of people changing in the future is the present hope of the God who never changes. "For he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee'" (Hebrews 13:5). "When my father and my mother forsake me, then the LORD will take me up" (Psalm 27:10). "There is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother" (Proverbs 18:24), and in no other friend is that displayed as dramatically as it is with God.

Yes, it is possible (although not probable) that we can be abandoned and misunderstood by all, but we will always have the presence and comforting support of God, who knows and understands far better than anyone else. He alone can sustain us even in the loneliest of times. May you find Him to be your best and closest friend this week.

Love in Christ,

Peggy Holt

member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA 

09192020 Unknown Purposes

 

Dear Missionary Lady,

Greetings in the name of our wise God. He knows so much that we don't know, and He even knows how to make good come out of bad.

Lesson #6. We almost certainly don't know all that God is doing in the midst of suffering. "Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them. ... And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face" (1:6, 8-11). The second round of this heavenly discussion is found in 2:1-6.

Job's trial had supernatural, or celestial, significance. Job knew nothing of this cosmic contest, of this incident through which God intended to put Satan's accusations to silence. Satan was impugning the character of God and calling into question the possibility of genuine belief and devotion. Job, the chosen but unwitting participant, was a stellar example of a God-follower (1:1,8). If Satan could bring down the best, which he believed he could do, he could mock and belittle God.

There was a celestial audience to this challenge, and perhaps all the heavenly hosts as well as their fallen counterparts were riveted on this contest, waiting to see what would happen. God and Satan were certainly watching (2:1-3). Who knows what the consequences would have been if Job had failed. God would still have been God. He still would have been good and powerful. In fact, nothing about God or His authority would have changed. But Satan would have gained confidence, perhaps enough to escalate his evil activity in the world. Perhaps more angels would have chosen his side. The point is not so much what might have happened as it is that Job was completely unaware of this level of interaction. Job did not know how significant his trial was.

As far as we know from the Biblical record, Job never knew. He didn't know that his record would be preserved for the instruction and encouragement of Christians through the ages. Certainly he wondered why everything was happening. He rightfully claimed that he did not deserve it. What did he understand? If we were to ask Job when he emerged from the end of his trial what he thought the reason or benefit was, what would he say? Based on his words at the end of the book, his answer would basically come down to this: I know God better now than I did before. That seems to be about as much as Job understood.

Even with the helpful revelation included in the book, we still don't know all the purposes God had in Job's trial. What impact did it have on his friends? His community? His wife? How was Job different going forward? How did the experience impact the way he raised his new children?

Because of the truths revealed in the New Testament, we have some understanding of the reasons and benefits of trials in our own lives. (Romans 8:28-29 and James 1:2-4, for example.) But do we know all that God is doing? I think that is impossible. At the very least, God is working in us. Very likely, He is working through us to touch the lives of many others. And beyond that, only God knows.

I have often heard people talk about a trial they have come through and say something like, "Knowing what I know now, I would do it all over again." Well, imagine if we actually knew all there was to know! I think we would more readily embrace the difficulties of our lives and would have greater peace as we go through them. It has been truly said that God never wastes anything, not even a trial.

This week as we continue through current trials or as we face new ones, may we "walk by faith, not by sight" (II Corinthians 5:7).

Love in Christ,

Peggy Holt

member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA

09122020 Multiplied Trials

 

Dear Missionary Lady,

Greetings once again in the name of our gracious God. It is my pleasure to again communicate with you some of the truth that He is showing me. I realize that some of you are older and have more maturity and wisdom, and I appreciate your graciousness in receiving my messages and perhaps overlooking things that may not come across just right to you. I know that each message may not strike each person with the same impact, but my prayer is that God will use each one to help someone, and that each of you will feel remembered and cared for.

Lesson #5. Troubles can come cascading one on top of the other.

Out of the clear blue, Job's world was precipitously turned upside down. There Job sat on a completely ordinary day, with blessing and prosperity all around. One of his servants entered the room - not extraordinary in itself. But from that moment, Job's life fell apart piece by piece. In a short time, (perhaps an hour or two, but related to Job in five to ten minutes), he lost everything. The first messenger (1:15-15) told about the oxen and donkeys, all of which were lost when the Sabeans attacked and stole them all. All the accompanying servants were killed except for the messenger.

The second messenger (1:16) had already entered and had to wait for the first man to finish. He told of the sheep. In a frightful event, fire had fallen from heaven and consumed them all. Only one servant escaped that devastation.

The third messenger (1:17) had waited his turn. He told of the camels, captured in an orchestrated raid by the Chaldeans. Again only one servant survived the accompanying slaughter.

This was an unspeakably horrible day in the office. I'm not certain the precise use of each group of animals, but it would seem Job had lost his "tractors," the ability to perform the needed work in his fields. He lost his source of income and his clothing supply. He lost his transportation fleet. He lost all of his employees except four.

Before Job even had time to absorb this overwhelming news or consider its impact, the fourth remaining servant (1:18-19) waited to share his tragic news. A great wind, unnatural in its movement, shattered the house where his ten children were, and they were all lost, along with all the servants but one.

It was only a short time later, perhaps days or weeks, when Satan unleashed yet another horrific attack (2:7), bringing a wretched disease upon Job. He had probably thought that life could not possibly get any worse, but it did.

Our minds are staggered by the story of Job. Sometimes our minds are staggered by our own stories, even though we rarely (if ever) suffer a series of disasters so devastating.

The past half year might be the closest some of us have ever come. The virus itself would be enough. But day after day, as we received new information, the messengers kept giving more bad news. Travel restrictions. Ministry restrictions. Isolation. Reduced liberties. Week after week, the messengers have arrived with additional implications. Bad feelings toward foreigners. Loss of financial support. Canceled trips and ministries. Sick friends. Hampered supply chains. Resentment toward churches. Protests and rioting.

So much has happened in such a short time. And this does not even include the difficulties of normal life or the situations that already existed. Things like personal or family health concerns. The burden of the ministry. Situations with family members back home. Countries on the brink of financial ruin. Unstable political situations. Challenges with the children. Working for the stability of new believers.

And for some, additional unrelated events have been added on. I think of the country of Lebanon and the devastating explosion that not only destroyed buildings and took lives, but also greatly affected supply lines, food reserves, medical access, and more, as well as upheaval of the government.

What good can it possibly do to consider all the layers of pain? How is this truth helpful, that troubles can pile on top of each other to profound levels? Honestly, there would seem to be no hope in this knowledge if we did not know the rest of the story of Job or if we did not have the rest of the Bible. But because we do, there are things we know. The verses referenced below all refer to trials in abundance.

First, multiplied trials are not unusual. They do not make us unique. They are not a sure sign that we must be facing God's displeasure. No, sometimes God does ordain situations like this even for His faithful children. (II Corinthians 7:5)

Second, God is doing His work through them. Sometimes it is the combination of trials that perfectly accomplishes what would not happen through just one or two. (James 1:2-4, I Peter 1:6-7)

Third, God never leaves us, even when trials multiply. He gives His help and comfort. (II Corinthians 7:6, II Corinthians 1:5)

Fourth, even in the midst of multiplied trials, we are not completely in despair. It may be very hard for us, but we have foundational truth and hope in God that can sustain us. (II Corinthians 4:8-9)

Fifth, no matter how hard and how many our trials are, God can deliver in His way and in His time. There is an answer coming sometime. (II Timothy 3:11)

No matter what happens, God is still God. He is still in control. He still cares. He is still enough. Job responded to his multiplied trials with worship: "Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD" (1:21).

May God bless you this week, my sisters, and give you all the grace you need.

Love in Christ,

Peggy Holt

member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA

09052020 Test of Faith

Dear Missionary Lady,

Greetings in the name of the God who is worth following. There are people who doubt that, but those who have sincerely done it know the truth.

Lesson #4. Suffering is a test of our faithfulness to God.

"Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought? Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land. But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face" (1:9-11).

Satan knew exactly what he wanted and expected to have happen when he tested Job. Satan thought the trial would be so great and the personal loss so devastating that Job would reject God. Not just backslide, not just walk away, but actually turn against God. He repeated the same expectation after the first round of trials did not have their intended result. "But put forth thine hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse thee to thy face" (2:5).

Was this just some misguided and perverted thinking of the devil? Or is turning from God something that people actually consider? Is such a consideration common in trials, or is it so rare that few people would do it? Consider this: "Then his wife said unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die" (2:9). Job's wife did not bear as much of the trial as Job did, but she was ready to reject God and to encourage him to do so.

We all know the sad truth, because we have seen it happen. How many people that we went to high school with (assuming they were professing Christians) are still walking with God? How many people have we gone to church with over the years who have since rejected God? How many people have you ministered to who at some point turned their backs on Christianity? The stories are staggering. For many of those people, the ultimate reason was suffering. People refuse to follow a God whom they accuse of treating them harshly. Their faith quits.

New Testament writers also acknowledge the danger within trials, the potential for them to squelch faith. James refers to the "trying of your faith" (James 1:3). Peter talks about "the trial of your faith ... though it be tried with fire" (I Peter 1:7). When faith is tested and put to the fire, not always does it come through unscathed. Sometimes it fails.

But when people are unswervingly dedicated to God, when they love Him with all their being, when they are absolutely committed to Him, when they are convinced that there is no other way, then their faith passes the test. They remain faithful to God. Even if everything is destroyed. Even if they die in the process. Falling away is by no means inevitable. Job didn't. Neither did these believers: "And others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: and others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings, yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: They were stoned, they were sawn asunder, were tempted, were slain with the sword: they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented ... they wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth" (Hebrews 11:35-39).

These heroes of faith followed God to the death if necessary. They were human, and undoubtedly they were tempted to leave God, but they didn't. They persevered. What does God say about people who loyally follow Him to that degree? "(Of whom the world was not worthy) ... and these all, having obtained a good report through faith" (Hebrews 11:38-39).

What an amazing testimony that God gives of faithful men, of those who steadfastly follow Him in spite of intense trial! He approves them! He esteems that this wicked world is not even worthy of their presence. God takes great pleasure in those who pass the test and remain faithful.

It's easy to follow God when everything is going well, but if our faith is real, we will continue to follow Him even in trouble. Why? Because we don't follow God just so that we can receive visible blessings; we follow Him because we have made a decision to have a relationship with Him. We follow Him because there is no other path. When we have that level of belief and commitment, we can say with Peter, "Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life" (John 6:68).

Life can be very hard. Trials can be intense. Our faith might be battered. We might be tempted to draw back from God. But is that the reputation we want? That we turned back in the day of trouble? Surely not. How our hearts would thrill to hear the words of God, "She gained my approval because her faith endured." Remember that it is a test of faith. Don't let Satan win. Not even the smallest victory. Faith in God is always well-placed.

May God bless you this week and give you grace and strength to follow Him wherever the pathway may lie.

Love in Christ,

Peggy Holt

member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA

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08292020 Suffering Has Limits

Dear Missionary Lady,

Greetings in the name of the all-powerful God. There are a lot of powerful forces and people in the world, but not one of them comes close to God. Thus the book of Job teaches.

Lesson #3. The extent of suffering is always under God's control. "And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand" (1:12). "And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, he is in thine hand; but save his life" (2:6).

Satan had no qualms about destroying Job, and no doubt he would have placed no limits on his vicious attacks. Twice, though, God placed limits on Satan. God first restricted Satan from touching Job's person. When Satan protested that the permitted attacks were too mild to be effective (!), God set new parameters. He allowed Satan to touch Job's health, but still restricted him from taking his life.

Satan is powerful, but he is also limited. He is confined to operating within the boundaries that God sets for him. While we might think the attacks are too vicious and too difficult, God knows what limits can be borne, and He sets boundaries accordingly. Satan can't do anything unless God permits him to do it.

I am reminded of Peter, to whom Jesus revealed, "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: but I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not" (Luke 22:31-32). In that case also, Satan knew what he wanted to do. Again, he wanted to absolutely destroy. But God did not permit it. God placed boundaries, and He took steps to deny Satan's desire.

Satan is not the only being that God controls. Kings and other powerful rulers are also under the control of God. They can do only as much as God allows them to do (Psalm 2). God has often used wicked kings to accomplish His purposes of judgment (Nebuchadnezzar). But those wicked nations do not have impunity to carry out their depravity or power without limitations. Their time comes. Their power fails. Their reign ceases.

Not only does God curtail kings in their pursuits, but He also controls them by sometimes making them do something they would never have dreamed of. Did Pharaoh have any intention of letting the Israelites go, even for a brief and short foray into the wilderness? Pharaoh was determined not to let any of them go any distance for any amount of time. But what did he end up doing? He ended up commanding the entire nation to leave, with all their flocks and herds, never to be seen again. Truly, "The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will" (Proverbs 21:1).

Satan and his attacks are under God's control. Kings and their plans are under God's control. Nature itself is under God's control. There is no galaxy, no system, no scientific cycle that is outside God's control. When God created the world, He created boundaries that no force of nature can breach. God says about the oceans, "And brake up for it my decreed place, and set bars and doors, and said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?" (Job 38:10-11). God determines where every ocean stops. He determines how high every mountain rises. He determines the severity of every storm, the length of every season, the brightness of every star.

Does it ever seem like things are out of control? Does it seem like evil and calamity are unrestrained? Does it seem that there is no end of trouble? Well, appearances are deceiving to our faltering eyes, because the truth is that absolutely nothing is out of God's control. We may not see where the trouble will end, but God does. We may think that suffering is running with no boundaries, but God knows exactly where those boundaries are. He knows, because He is the one who set the boundaries.

A necessary application of the fact that God sets boundaries is that every trial has boundaries. We may be so deep in the midst of a trial that we cannot see any limitations in severity or timing, but those limitations do exist. They are determined by God, and they cannot be breached. Every situation that you are in is controlled by God. This far, but NO FURTHER!

"For which cause we faint not ... for our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory" (II Corinthians 4:16-17).

Love in Christ,

Peggy Holt

member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA

Archived letters: www.dearmissionarylady.blogspot.com.

08222020 God-Initiated Suffering

Dear Missionary Lady, 

Greetings, friends. How are you doing? I know that for several of you the past few weeks have held particularly strong challenges, and my prayers have increased for you this week. Satan is at work in our world. He is trying to stop God's work. But he can't! Interestingly, this battle between God and Satan is precisely what came up in the next lesson from Job.

Lesson #2. Sometimes God initiates suffering. "And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?" (1:8). Satan didn't bring Job up in the conversation; God did. There is no reason to believe that Satan would have pinpointed Job if God had not presented him as an example.

God was setting up a contest of supernatural proportion and implications. Job was the arena. By highlighting Job to Satan, God presented a challenge which Satan chose to accept, and the battle began. This was like a colossal chess match being played right on top of Job.

Could Satan win? Could he discredit God? Could he show that following God was a whim or a matter of convenience? Or would God win? Could He confirm that His relationship with His followers was unshakeable? Could He demonstrate that people were truly committed to Him because of a connection deeper than what Satan was willing to acknowledge?

The attacks were Satan's - the marauders, the fire from heaven, the plunderers, the great wind, and the horrific illness. Satan did those things after God set forth the challenge. God did initiate the contest, and God even claims responsibility. "Although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause" (2:3).

I think there are five primary sources of suffering. First, much of the suffering in our world comes simply because we live on a fallen planet. Ever since the fall of man and the start of the curse, this world has been broken. We have things like plagues, droughts, floods, decay, disease, sickness, and death. These very common trials are simply natural implications of the fall. Second, some suffering is inflicted by other people. Because people have a sin nature and because they are not perfect, they will sometimes inflict suffering on other people, either intentionally or unintentionally. Third, we bring some suffering on ourselves. By our own choices or by following our own lusts, we can create situations of suffering. Fourth, Satan initiates suffering. He is cruel and hateful, not caring about those who are in his kingdom and antagonistic against those who follow God. Fifth, some suffering is initiated by God. For the unbeliever, this can be either punishment or an attempt to draw the person to God. For the believer, God also initiates suffering for His varied purposes.

There is much overlap in these sources, as there was in Job's case. We may not always know which cause is primary, and as far as our response, it may not matter. What is important for us to realize is that God is always involved. Whether He initiated the suffering or whether He is overseeing it, it is within His control and is serving His purposes. In speaking of suffering, Peter said "if need be" (I Peter 1:6) and "if the will of God be so" (I Peter 3:17). Yes, God sometimes deems suffering necessary. God sometimes wills suffering to happen.

Through suffering, God is accomplishing His purposes. That was true for Job, and it is true for us. Those purposes often have something to do with us (James 1:2-4). Those purposes also have much to do with God. God uses suffering to display His glory, to reveal Himself to the spiritual world, and to accomplish things that are much bigger than us. We may have no idea of the scope of what God is doing while we suffer. The reality is that God will never allow suffering for a Christian - whether initiated by Him or from some other source - without having divine goals that He wants to accomplish.

Continue pressing forward this week with God's strength and God's grace. He has helped you in the past, and He will continue to help you in the present and the future. Remember, the victory is God's! Satan cannot and will not win.

Love in Christ,

Peggy Holt

member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA