Even now my witness is in heaven.
My advocate is there on high.
I pour out my tears to God (Job 16:19-20).
Our Advocate
Reply
What if God asked you what he asked Job?
I read Job 38-40 as though God were speaking to me. I was silenced and overwhelmed by God’s greatness.
Here’s some of what God asked:
Where you there when I laid the foundations of the earth (Job 38:4)?
Have you ever commanded the morning to appear (Job 38:12)?
Do you know where the gates of death are located (Job 38:17)?
Are you as strong as God (Job 40:9)?
What is your response?
Call on God; Expect an Answer
Job said, “I call on God and expect an answer (Job 12:4).”
God said, “My servant Job has spoken accurately about me (from Job 42:7).”
Life Because of Death
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16).
One died. Many live.
Death is swallowed up in victory (1 Corinthians 15:54),
A Good Reason to Journal
As I looked through my journal, I read, “My daughter is sick. I don’t know why. Lord, you do! When you were here you healed people from morning to night. You are able to heal her. Are you willing?”
She’s better now. I almost forgot she had been sick.
My journal reminded me to pray, “Thank you, Lord, for healing our daughter! You are the Lord who heals (Exodus 15:26).”
How Love Responds to Requests
Her sweet four year old voice woke me from a deep sleep, “Grandma, I have to go to the bathroom.” I got up, took her hand, and we walked to the bathroom together.
When we tell God what we need, He takes our hand and walks with us.
If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him (Matthew 7:11).
Prayer Knows No Language
I noticed her working at the airport, so I thanked her for doing her job, and asked if she knew Jesus. She said, “My English is small.”
I responded, “Then I will pray for you.” I folded my hands, looked to heaven and asked Jesus to make himself known to her.
Her eyes were shining when I finished my short prayer. Prayer knows no language.
How Love Influences Prayer
“He prays best, who loves best
All things, both great and small;
For the dear God, who loves us,
He made and loves all.”
adapted from Samuel Coleridge, The Rime of the Ancient Mariner (text of 1834).
Control
God will do to me whatever he has planned. He controls my destiny (Job 23:14).
This humbles and calms me as I trust and pray.
Wisdom
God alone understands the way to wisdom: he knows where it can be found (Job 28:23).
If you need wisdom, ask our generous God and he will give it to you (James 1:5).
If you ask for wisdom, you should also know this: The fear of the Lord is true wisdom; to forsake evil is true understanding (Job 28:28).
