God’s Mercies In Disguise
BRD REFLECTIONS:
(Violet Kong, CIC Facilitator)
READ:
Job 42:1-6
Then Job replied to the Lord: [2] “I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. [3] You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.
[4] “You said, ‘Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me.’ [5] My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. [6] Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.”
OBSERVE:
In this final chapter, God restored to Job everything he had lost and blessed him twice as much as he had before.
What stood out for me in this chapter was the sovereignty and wisdom of God that no one could fathom. His plans are always higher, and His purpose cannot be thwarted (v2, 3).
APPLY:
There are many circumstances in my life that are challenging and beyond my control. I have learnt to persevere in hard times and lean on God’s promises no matter how difficult the situation is. This is especially so since my medical ordeal in 2013. There is nothing much I can do to improve my condition but to trust in the Lord with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding; in all my ways I will submit to him, and He will make my paths straight. [Proverbs 3:5-6]
When I was singing “Blessings” by Laura Story recently, the words of the chorus struck a chord in me:
‘Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops?
What if Your healing comes through tears?
And what if the thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near?
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise?
God is gracious, kind, and compassionate. He always reaches out to me with His loving arms by sending medical help and encouragement through family and friends. I am grateful to God for all the timely help He has been sending.
DO:
I will:
- Learn to be steadfast and faithful like Job: despite the loss of family, health and betrayal from friends, Job pressed on to the end.
- Repent and seek forgiveness from God whenever I bear grudges against Him.
- Acknowledge my limitations and focus on the things that have eternal value.
In good times or bad times, I will continue to run the race God has intended for me, and have a contented and thankful spirit.
PRAY:
Dear Lord, thank You for speaking to me through the stories of Your faithful servants in the Bible. Thank You for Your mercies in my life. Help me to continue to walk faithfully and in ways that are pleasing in Your sight. Amen.
