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