Friday, 2 August 2024

relationships (Job 4:1-21) The Need to Encourage!

(Job 4:1-21) Then Eliphaz the Temanite responded,

2  “If one ventures a word with you, will you become impatient?
     But who can refrain from speaking?
3   Behold, you have taught many,
     And you have strengthened weak hands.
4  Your words have helped the stumbling to stand,
     And you have strengthened feeble knees.
5   But now it comes to you, and you are impatient;
     It touches you, and you are horrified.
6   Is your fear of God not your confidence,
     And the integrity of your ways your hope?

TODAY'S THOUGHTS AND MEDITATION:
Here, the first friend, Eliphaz, speaks.  The way he begins isn't wrong.  He points out the things that Job has done to encourage others.  And these are great things we should do for each other.  We are to teach, to strengthen, and to help.  In fearing the Lord, we will find our confidence in Him!  And in putting our hope in the Lord, He will guide and develop our integrity!
While it is also true to say that, "To do is easier said than done", with God, all things are possible.  And it is true that even as mature believers, we will have weak moments where we feel impatience and even doubt.  But that is okay, as long as we don't just walk away and abandon our faith.  We should seek out the answers, and continue to look to the Lord for our help, strength, patience and guidance.
In tomorrow's devotion, we will see where Eliphaz goes wrong in his assumptions of Job.  Meanwhile, if only Eliphaz could have realized that in Job's time of suffering, Job needed someone to strengthen and help him, which would "teach" (remind) him to continue fearing the Lord, and hoping and trusting in Him!  None of us are except from suffering or going through times of impatience or even doubt.  Therefore, from time to time, we will all need a lot of encouragement.

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