Ever feel like an old stump?The story of Job records the struggle of a man dealing with injustice and know-it-all friends. In great despair Job observes that even the stump of a cut-down tree might sprout if it just had enough water.
"There is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease. . . Yet through the scent of water it will bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant."
Although Job felt worse off than a dead stump, his remark gives me hope! No matter what the loss that makes us feel cut down and useless, with trust in a loving God, we can deal with it. Lost job, lost friendship, lost self-worth? God has a good plan for restoration and renewal, and He wants us to know what it is.
In Job’s case, when he prayed for his super-critical friends, he rediscovered his oneness with God’s purpose for him. The tragic losses of previous years receded as he moved forward in every aspect of restored and productive living.
Note to self: It’s easy to pray for those who are pleasant. It’s important to pray for those who are not, that they may discover their inmost God-given nature is one of caring and patience. Willingness to wrestle with ourselves in order to pray for difficult people -- those we think least deserve it -- adjusts our course, realigns us so that we find ourselves in the groove with our Maker.
"There is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease. . . Yet through the scent of water it will bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant."
Although Job felt worse off than a dead stump, his remark gives me hope! No matter what the loss that makes us feel cut down and useless, with trust in a loving God, we can deal with it. Lost job, lost friendship, lost self-worth? God has a good plan for restoration and renewal, and He wants us to know what it is.
In Job’s case, when he prayed for his super-critical friends, he rediscovered his oneness with God’s purpose for him. The tragic losses of previous years receded as he moved forward in every aspect of restored and productive living.
Note to self: It’s easy to pray for those who are pleasant. It’s important to pray for those who are not, that they may discover their inmost God-given nature is one of caring and patience. Willingness to wrestle with ourselves in order to pray for difficult people -- those we think least deserve it -- adjusts our course, realigns us so that we find ourselves in the groove with our Maker.
1 comment:
I loved this...is so perfectly fits with Kim's post for today...such love, Kate
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