Pastor Bob DuPar
August 26, 2008

Journal Entry



Scripture

Job 20:1-22:30; 2 Corinthians 1:1-11; Psalm 40:11-17; Proverbs 22:2-4

Observation

I know this sounds blasphemous to admit, but it’s hard for me to view Job’s friend’s long-winded speeches as inspired Scripture. Yes, I believe that “all Scripture is God-breathed (divinely inspired) and is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17) But, there are points in the daily reading where I just want to say, “Enough! Give it a rest! And, leave Job alone.” Maybe it’s just me.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 gives perspective to our trials and hardships,

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.”

Paul adds to this thought a few verses later (9-10),

“But this happened that we might not rely on ourselves but on God, who raises the dead. …On Him we have set our hope that He will continue to deliver us.”

Finally, I thought that Proverbs 22:4 was good,

“Humility and the fear of the Lord bring wealth and honor and life.”


Application

Sometimes God allows us to go through hard times so that we might come alongside of others to comfort them and encourage them with the same comfort and encouragement which we have received from God. The Lord also allows us to go through trials in order that we might depend upon Him and not ourselves. When our human resources and abilities fail we are force to rely upon His limitless supply.

Prayer

“Lord, thank You that even though I don’t enjoy tough times they are opportunities to draw closer to You and to learn more about Your all-sufficiency.”