Am I Enough – Unwavering Faith

Greetings Dear Reader,

Job continues his discourse with more vehemence and directness.  He points out that there are those who deny God but worse there are those who simply ignore him.  In the midst of his suffering Job knows that God is faithful.  He knows that God will not be unjust with him.

Because of this he refuses to sin by admitting to wrong doing that is not his.  He will not cave in to his friends’ demands.  He will die before he will dishonor God by falsifying what God has said of him. It is not enough to do what is right.  We must also humbly admit that we have forgiveness, righteousness, power, and responsibility.

Everything about life is an opportunity to extend our faith and following.  The obligation is to follow in faith no matter how difficult things may become for us.  How many times can a man be tested?  How deeply can we delve into pain and loss before we begin to doubt ourselves and God?  When things go wrong in life do we questions God’s love for us?

Job is on the verge of getting to the real question even though he does not know it yet.  He is righteous.  He is good.  The entire calamity that has befallen him is because he has an enemy that wishes to devour him.  He also has faith.  Faith can be an impenetrable shield if we allow it. 

It is not the question of doubt that is wrong.  That is the moment that the enemy, our fallen nature, or those who doubt take the swing.  It is failing to raise the shield to defend ourselves that is wrong.  Letting the blow reach us is the sin.

I must not ignore that God is there in the midst of all that is.  The sublime and the horrid are both places where God stands calling me to keep following in faith.  I must keep walking.  In every moment I must have faith that God is there, carrying me if necessary, guiding me always. 

The worst thing I can do, even for a moment is ignore him.  That is when the blows get through.  That is when the path is unclear.  That is when I am in danger of losing my way. So as Job would say, even with my last breath I will not deny him.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."

Job 27:1-23 

Job continued his proverb and said,

(2) “I swear an oath by God, the one who has taken away my rights, by the Almighty, who has made my life bitter:  (3) As long as there is one breath left in me and God's breath fills my nostrils,  (4) my lips will not say anything wrong, and my tongue will not mumble anything deceitful.'  (5) It's unthinkable for me to admit that you are right. Until I breathe my last breath, I will never give up my claim of integrity.  (6) I cling to my righteousness and won't let go. My conscience won't accuse me as long as I live. 

(7) "Let my enemy be treated like wicked people. Let anyone who attacks me be treated like unrighteous people.  (8) After all, what hope does the godless person have when he is cut off, when God takes away his life?  (9) Will God hear his cry when trouble comes upon him?  (10) Can he be happy with the Almighty? Can he call on God at all times? 

(11) "I will teach you about God's power. I will not hide what the Almighty has done.  (12) Certainly, you have all seen it. Why then do you chatter on about such nonsense?  (13) This is what God has waiting for the wicked person, the inheritance that tyrants receive from the Almighty:  (14) If he has many children, swords will kill them, and his descendants won't have enough food.  (15) Those who survive him will be buried by a plague, and their widows won't cry for them.  (16) Though he collects silver like dust and piles up clothing like dirt, (17) righteous people will wear what he piles up, and the innocent will divide the silver among themselves.  (18) He builds his house like a moth, like a shack that a watchman makes.  (19) He may go to bed rich, but he'll never be rich again. When he opens his eyes, nothing will be left.  (20) Terrors overtake him like a flood. A windstorm snatches him away at night.  (21) The east wind carries him away, and he's gone. It sweeps him from his place.  (22) It hurls itself at him without mercy. He flees from its power.  (23) It claps its hands over him. It whistles at him from his own place.