IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOB

 Jehovah Healed His Pain

At last, the small group of men fell silent. Perhaps the only sound left was the whisper of a warm wind from the Arabian desert. Job had run out of words, exhausted after a long debate. Picture him glaring at his three acquaintances, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar-almost daring them to continue. But they could only look down or away, frustrated from their clever arguments, their "blustery" words, and their hurtful insinuations had failed. (Job 16:3) If anything, Job was more determined than ever to defend his integrity. 

Job may have felt that integrity was all he had left. He had lost his wealth, all ten of his children, the support and respect of his friends and neighbors, and finally his own health. His skin was blackened with disease, encrusted with scabs, crawling with maggots. Even his breath was foul. (Job 7:5; 19:17; 30:30) Yet, the attacks of those three men had stirred up in Job a fierce indignation. He was bent on proving that he was not the corrupt sinner they said he was. Job's final speech had just silenced them. Their torrent of cruel words had finally run dry. However, Job's pain remained. He still needed help-desperately!

Job's thinking, understandably, was out of balance. He needed guidance and correction. He also needed genuine consolation and comfort, the very things that his three acquaintances should have provided but did not. Have  you ever felt in dire need of guidance and comfort? Have you ever been let down by people that you thought were your friends? Learning how Jehovah God helped his servant Job and how Job responded mat fill you with hope and give you practical help.

Next time:  IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOB -A Wise and Kind Counselor -Continue

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