Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful. James 5:11
Now that I wrapped my study of Ecclesiastes, I return to prepare to lead Sunday school for the next two Sundays - with this upcoming Sunday looking at James 5:7-11, and Sunday 25AUG looking at James 5:12-20. This morning I lean on one of DesiringGod.com's Solid Joys devotionals which explores James 5:11. For those currently experiencing great difficulties and trials, including believers, I suspect this devotional might be tough to swallow as it challenges us to see God's goodness and purposes during these periods. Before I even dig into the devotional, my initial thoughts turn to Romans 8:28 where Paul shares that "we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." All things - of course good and bad. Now, turning back to the devotional we see John Piper get our attention right away with his first statement: "[b]ehind all disease and disability is the ultimate will of God." As a backdrop, people should understand that John Piper is a reformed Calvinist - meaning that he sees God's providence in all matters for all of the universe and its inhabitants (see also his book Providence). Pushing on with the devotion, Piper then shares that Satan is involved in our infirmities but his will is not decisive - only God's is. We are referred first to Acts 10:38, then back to Job, which is referenced in our text for today. Job becomes sick with sores but does not curse God because of it - instead in Job 2:10a we see Job sharing what Piper refers to as Job's "right view of God's sovereignty over Satan" by responding to his wife who was directing Job to curse God. Job does not curse God but instead rhetorically asks his wife "[s]hall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?" Piper also wants us to see in the next part of the same verse - v10b - where it is recorded that "[i]n all this Job did not sin with his lips." The devotion then points back to James 5:11 where James describes Job's steadfastness of faith (not cursing God) in the face of his infirmities. Piper wants us to see how Job (and how we should) recognizes that God may allow Satan to bring sickness to him, but God also is "compassionate and merciful" at the same time. Piper describes this as God having a "good purpose in all Job's afflictions." To underscore this message, Piper also points to Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:7 where the thorn in Paul's side is from Satan "to keep [him] from becoming conceited." Paul's humility is a good outcome of course! Piper concludes the devotion by sharing that "[i]n fact, for God’s elect children, Satan cannot destroy us, and God turns all his attacks finally against him and for us." Amen - God is good!
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My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of compassion and mercy - all day every day. Thank You Jesus for the blessing of my salvation and for the compassion and mercies You pour out every day for me. I am not deserving of such blessings. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
