Looking at Abraham’s obedience in sacrificing his son, Isaac, can be discouraging. We doubt that we could be like him if given a a test of such magnitude. But God prepared Abraham for the test in Genesis 22, and it should be an encouragement that He also prepares us for the trials and tests we […]
Trials and Suffering
All Things Work Together for Good
Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” If I had to choose only one example of this verse coming true in my life, it would be my brother’s death. My only sibling, Jason, was fourteen months […]
Four Ways God’s Compassion and Mercy Is Shown to Job and Us
James 5:11 says, “You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.” The Bible contains several accounts that depict God’s compassion and mercy… Manasseh, King of Judah The wickedest king in the Old Testament. It seemed like there was no false […]
Jesus Is the Mediator, Advocate, and Redeemer in Job
The Book of Job provides some of the greatest types and shadows of Jesus in the Old Testament. Although Job didn’t have the revelation that we have, he still looked forward to a Mediator, Advocate, and Redeemer. Centuries later, Jesus revealed Himself to be the reality and substance of Job’s words. Job Needed a Mediator He […]
The Difference Between Stumbling and Falling
Paul asked, “Have [the Jews] stumbled that they should fall? Certainly not!” (Romans 11:11a). Stumbling is not the same as falling, and we can see the difference between the two by considering two men who had much in common. Who does this describe? A well-known man received a unique opportunity when Jesus asked him to […]
Job Shows Perseverance Doesn’t Mean Perfection
Job is the New Testament example of a persevering saint. He demonstrates that perseverance doesn’t mean perfection! James 5:11b says, “You have heard of the perseverance of Job.” How did he persevere? He persevered the same way everyone perseveres—by maintaining faith in God. Twice Satan predicted he would curse God, and at one point his wife […]