My dad started a series on Job, and the very first sermon so completely convicted me... It was on the first chapter, and what really struck me, was the attitude with which Job responded to his trials. He lost all of his livestock, his servants, and, worst of all, his ten children. Any one of these would be so terrible by itself, but to have all of them happen on the same day, within minutes of each other, would be absolutely devastating. Especially the loss of every one of his children. You would think he'd respond the way Satan hoped and expected he'd respond: by cursing God. But he doesn't. On the contrary, he responded by worshiping the Lord! ("Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped." [Job 1:20])
How much less have I suffered, and how much worse my response been. These were my thoughts throughout the sermon. I recalled losing a favorite stuffed animal as a child, or tearing a page in my favorite book, or even suffering through my first asthma attack. All these seem so trivial compared to what Job went through, yet, I know my first inclination was not to fall down and worship God.
I'm so grateful that God wrote down this story for us, as an example of how we should act when faced with various trials. Job is an inspiration, and a godly example of what our attitude should be in the midst of our suffering. I can only pray that my first response will be to exclaim "Blessed be the Name of the Lord!" (Job 1:21)
I loved the quote my dad finished his sermon with, and I will finish my blog post with the same:
"Worship is the true and best use of afflictions.
But only a true believer will find a cross to be the source of thanksgiving."
-Derek Thomas
