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