Timely Insights into God's Word from Khandielese Reyes

“Now when Job’s three friends heard of all this evil that was come upon him, they came every one from his own place; Eliphaz the Termanite, and Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite: for they had made an appointment together to come to mourn with him and to comfort him.  And when they lifted up their eyes afar off, and knew him not, they lifted up their voice, and wept; and they rent every one his mantle, and sprinkled dust upon their heads towards heaven.  So they sat down with him upon the ground seven days and seven nights, and none spake a word unto him: for they saw that his grief was very great.”  (Job 2:11-13) 

The suffering of Job was horrific.  It seemed in a matter of moments, all that he once knew was removed from him.  His children, possessions, and even his health ALL in a moments time.  It was so terrible that even his wife could not understand why he was still holding on to life, why he was still standing in the midst of such sorrow and declared unto him that he should curse God for all the calamity that had fallen upon him, and die as looking at the circumstance, there appeared to be no hope.  Yet, not a word of bitterness or anger towards the Lord God ever came from the mouth of Job. 

In those days, it was almost always believed that such sorrows as Job faced, would only come upon an individual who was wicked, sinful and unjust and today many still believe this lie of the enemy.  However, Job was considered BY GOD according to the scriptures to be a perfect and upright man, one who feared God and hated evil thus the theory of only the “wicked” suffer great loss is shown to be just that…. “a theory”.   

While in the midst of his suffering, he desired to rather die than live this life of sorrow.  He cursed the very day he was even born, and feeling alone, abandoned and forsaken, he receives a visit from his three closest companions in what he thought would be comforting, yet he would later discover to find “No Comfort in their Speech.”  These well meaning friends began their visit in a rather loving and caring way in sharing his burden, weeping and mourning over his loss with him.  However, later they ceased from mourning with him, and attempted to explain to Job why they believed he was suffering so.  All their explanations came from “emotions” and “head knowledge”, and NONE spoke from the spirit.  His friend Eliphaz declared the reasons for his sufferings were because he (Job) was a sinner and accused him of being foolish and wicked.  Bildad demanded that Job repents of whatever he did to caused the sufferings to come upon him.  He proclaimed to Job that only the wicked are punished and if he were such a “righteous” man, he would not be suffering so.  And Zophar also urged Job to repent and even delivers a sermon to Job with regards to he being wicked.  Job’s continual defense of himself only caused them to become more angry at his supposed inability to see his own wickedness.  On top of all that Job had endured, he now had to hear from the mouth of his own friends that HE was the cause of these trials, that HE was not a just and righteous man, but was wicked and evil and must have done something that displeased the Lord that “God would chastise him in this manner.”  Job’s friends, although their speech may have been “well meaning”, brought no comfort to him, nor was their speech spiritually accurate.  In the end, it was their speech that was condemn by God, and it was they who had to repent of their wickedness and foolishness as the word declared: “And it was so, that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have NOT spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath.  Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job.” (Job 42:7-8) 

Many of you may have felt as Job did and may have had some “well meaning friends” attempt to explain to you the reason of your sufferings and like Job, you’ve found “No Comfort in their Speech”.  For just as it was in the days of old, many today in the church incorrectly relate “sickness to sin”, and “sufferings to one’s wickedness” and such is not always the case.   An individual knows when he/she is in sin and in need of repentance if they are open to the conviction of the Holy Spirit and those who refuse to repent, WILL suffer the consequence of their sin in some form or another.   But not everyone who’s sick in the body, or suffering some major sorrow or struggle, is due to the fact that they are wicked and sinful.  There are some, like Job who are living righteously before the Lord, and their sufferings are a result of being tested and tried through the fire.  There are some that are suffering so that GOD may be GLORIFIED through their deliverance.  As such was the case of the man born blind who when the disciples saw him, asked of the Lord “who sinned, this man or his parents that he was born blind”? (even they had the mentality that one was sick because of sin).  But the Lord replied “Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the WORKS OF GOD SHOULD BE MADE MANIFEST IN HIM”

Everyone must search his/her own heart when faced with horrific trials and tribulations, and if sin may be found, REPENT INSTANTLY.  But, if no sin is found, keep standing and putting all faith and trust in the Lord for total and complete restoration.  And for all well meaning friends who feel they must explain away the reasons for one’s suffering without fully knowing the circumstance behind the suffering, it is best you not counsel, but pray for your brother or sisters needs.  Unless of course you have first hand knowledge of sin in his/her life, then the most loving thing you can do is share the truth that perhaps he/she may see their sin and come to the Lord in true Godly sorrow and repentance. 

Remember, there are various reasons for sufferings and all who seek to live Godly lives will suffer persecution and The Lord himself said that in this world we shall have tribulation but to be of good cheer for HE has overcome the world.  Therefore, let us not be too quick to judge the one who suffers, without knowing the reasons for the suffering.

I love you all so very much. Have a blessed week in the Lord and remember: Whatever we do, do ALL for the GLORY of GOD, who ALONE is worthy of the GLORY and the PRAISE!

May the peace of the Lord be with you today and always…….

Khandielese
Daughter & Servant
   of the Lord God