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
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