Well, Christmas is coming up soon, very soon actually, in a few days.
I find myself not as excited this year as I usually am around the holiday season. The whole "economic recession" has put a few of my family members and close friends in complete financial crisis. I just haven't had the same excitement this year when I think about Christmas. I find myself not really wanting to go Christmas shopping because I know some people can't. I don't really want presents this year because I know some people won't get any or have the money to buy them. Some people may not even be living in their own homes in a few months and it breaks my heart to even think about it, or know what to say anymore. It's just so sad.
But, what comforts me is that God is alive and working during these times. He is Faithful no matter what the news says, no matter where we live, or what type financial crisis is going on. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, no matter what is going on in the world around us. Maybe I have always thought Christmas to be some magical time because of the all the gift-giving and receiving, and I just have never had the right perspective.
I have also been reading through the book of Job, for a Bible Challenge my friend gave me. Job is an awesome man of God because he faced things that many people would not be able to face. He faced trials that far surpass the economic crises which is happening right this very moment. There is one thing which stood out to me during my reading, which really encouraged me. In all of his trials, JOB DID NOT CURSE GOD.
Now, he was upset, he cursed the day he was born(Job 3:1), but He did not curse God. This is extreme faith at it's finest. This is a man who went from having everything, to having nothing, and he wasn't really given a lot of answers. He had friends who tried to be there for him at first. In fact for seven days they just sat there alongside Job and didn't say a word because they saw his grief was so great.(Job 2:13) But once they started talking they just ended up discouraging him and making his pain worse. His wife wasn't very support either. Nevertheless, Job continued to exhibit righteousness and faith during a very sharp time of mourning and pain. No matter what was taken from him; his family, wealth, health, friends, Job trusted God.
Jesus already warned us that trials and hard times are inevitable, but we need to remember where our hope lies. We need to ask God for his true perspective on the situation at hand so we can see things with a new light.
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."(John 16:33)
When I think of Job and his example of faith I am reminded that God always uses trials for our advantage. When I think about that, I am comforted for my family and friends this Christmas, because I know God has a plan.
Maybe the very things we want God to take away are the very things which He is using as a tool of refinement and a faith builder, which is far more precious than any earthly thing. So, maybe instead of praying: "God, help, what are you doing here? Why aren't you answering this prayer, Lord", I should instead pray for His will to be done. I should pray that God would grant them more faith and a stronger relationship with Himself, instead of financial prosperity. I know I would rather have a closer and intimate relationship with the Lord than I would rather have any other earthly thing. So, I should also want that for my family and friends. So, when I see these things happening around me I am going to choose to exercise my faith and remind myself of God's character.
When I put my faith in God and His word, I am comforted and reminded to look at situations through the eyes of faith and be glad. I can trust that God is in control despite how things may "appear."
I find myself not as excited this year as I usually am around the holiday season. The whole "economic recession" has put a few of my family members and close friends in complete financial crisis. I just haven't had the same excitement this year when I think about Christmas. I find myself not really wanting to go Christmas shopping because I know some people can't. I don't really want presents this year because I know some people won't get any or have the money to buy them. Some people may not even be living in their own homes in a few months and it breaks my heart to even think about it, or know what to say anymore. It's just so sad.
But, what comforts me is that God is alive and working during these times. He is Faithful no matter what the news says, no matter where we live, or what type financial crisis is going on. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, no matter what is going on in the world around us. Maybe I have always thought Christmas to be some magical time because of the all the gift-giving and receiving, and I just have never had the right perspective.
I have also been reading through the book of Job, for a Bible Challenge my friend gave me. Job is an awesome man of God because he faced things that many people would not be able to face. He faced trials that far surpass the economic crises which is happening right this very moment. There is one thing which stood out to me during my reading, which really encouraged me. In all of his trials, JOB DID NOT CURSE GOD.
Now, he was upset, he cursed the day he was born(Job 3:1), but He did not curse God. This is extreme faith at it's finest. This is a man who went from having everything, to having nothing, and he wasn't really given a lot of answers. He had friends who tried to be there for him at first. In fact for seven days they just sat there alongside Job and didn't say a word because they saw his grief was so great.(Job 2:13) But once they started talking they just ended up discouraging him and making his pain worse. His wife wasn't very support either. Nevertheless, Job continued to exhibit righteousness and faith during a very sharp time of mourning and pain. No matter what was taken from him; his family, wealth, health, friends, Job trusted God.
In chapter 19, Job continued to defend himself after his friends continued to attack him and blame him for his misfortunes. Yet Job looked forward to the day when he would be with the Lord.
"But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last. And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God(Job 19: 25-27.)!
Jesus already warned us that trials and hard times are inevitable, but we need to remember where our hope lies. We need to ask God for his true perspective on the situation at hand so we can see things with a new light.
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world."(John 16:33)
When I think of Job and his example of faith I am reminded that God always uses trials for our advantage. When I think about that, I am comforted for my family and friends this Christmas, because I know God has a plan.
Maybe the very things we want God to take away are the very things which He is using as a tool of refinement and a faith builder, which is far more precious than any earthly thing. So, maybe instead of praying: "God, help, what are you doing here? Why aren't you answering this prayer, Lord", I should instead pray for His will to be done. I should pray that God would grant them more faith and a stronger relationship with Himself, instead of financial prosperity. I know I would rather have a closer and intimate relationship with the Lord than I would rather have any other earthly thing. So, I should also want that for my family and friends. So, when I see these things happening around me I am going to choose to exercise my faith and remind myself of God's character.
When I put my faith in God and His word, I am comforted and reminded to look at situations through the eyes of faith and be glad. I can trust that God is in control despite how things may "appear."
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