May 18: God is Fighting for You

Key Verse: Job 15:8-10

Theme: He knows your story from beginning to end

Dacia Chambers 
Shepherdess CIC 
Savannah SDA Church

Have you ever been in situations where you questioned God’s presence? And to compound the perplexity, others around you may have caused you to question God’s omnipresence. In those moments, if you cling to His promises, you realize that God is closer than you think. This devotional hopes to remind you today that God is interested in ALL aspects of your life and knows your story from beginning to end. 

In the summer of 2006, on a Friday evening after a very long and tiresome day, working as a student colporteur in Canada, I became even more cognizant of the Omnipresent and Omniscient God. We sojourned from one town to another in anticipation of going home to rest for the day ahead, however, as we journeyed, we had a unique worship service, not only did we sing and pray, we talked about  going home to a place where we will never depart, we each mentioned all our dreams and aspirations we want to materialize before we die. I vividly remember the words on the back of a truck we were traveling closely behind, which read “Going Home”. We jokingly pointed to the truck and continued our talks about the irony of going home. Interestingly, we continued to worship by studying the exegesis of Hebrews 10:23: “Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for he is faithful that promised;”.As we contemplated the text and shared what it meant to us, I noticed the car was moving faster and faster, then suddenly I heard a student shout, “HOLD SLOW!” It was a drastic turn of events, everything came to a screeching halt as we were tossed about on the busy highway. I can still recall the flashing lights and banging sounds of metal. I thought my life was coming to an unexpected end. I prayed, “God save me.” Within a few minutes, paramedics were on the scene, and we were swiftly taken to the hospital. We were all released with minor aches. My jacket was decorated with splinters, yet not a single scratch could be found on my skin.

Upon assessing the vehicle, we were informed that onlookers marveled as the front passenger section, where I sat, had caved in. The vehicle was completely destroyed, and not even the key could be put back in the ignition.

My friends, God is interested in all aspects of our lives, and I hope to reassure you, just in case you feel like He is not nearby, that He is very present and He knows your beginning from your end. 

Job 15: 8- 10 Hast thou heard the secret of God and dost thou restrain wisdom to thyself?

9 What knowest thou, that we know not? What understandest thou, which is not in us?

10 With us are both the grayheaded and very aged men, much elder than thy father.

In Job 15:8-10, not only do we see Job’s suffering, but we also see his colleague, Eliphaz, as he questioned God’s presence in Job's life. Eliphaz's was sarcastic as he challenged Job. He questioned whether Job had an intimate knowledge of God. This implies that Job had a limited understanding of God's plans, suggesting that Job was not truly wise. Eliphaz also pro-ported that based on he and his colleagues’ age, they had more insight and foresight than Job. He accused Job of arrogance. Like a parent to a child, he was convinced that Job’s perspective of God throughout the time of suffering was flawed, as it deviates from those who have lived long and learned from experience. He suggested that Jobs' unfortunate events were because of His wicked deeds. This may have further plunged Job into deeper sadness and despair (Job 17:1). Yet, Job did not lose sight of the God in whom He had faith and trust. 

This story of Job may reflect the turmoil and challenges of many. It may not exactly look like the loss Job experienced. It could be a tragic accident of a friend or family member. It could be job loss, sickness, financial woes, marital issues, whatever it is. God is reminding you today that He is interested in your story from beginning to end.

 It is also important to identify the Eliphaz in your life. Whether it is your friends, colleagues, employers, family members, etc., whoever speaks doubt and despair in your life, like Job, hold on to your faith and trust in God even when the challenges seem insurmountable. It was not easy for Job, especially having lost all the wealth he had accumulated and all the people in his life who meant the world to him. He struggled to grapple with the unfortunate sequence of events, but He stood the test of time. Job held on to his faith and stuck to God’s promises. He was willing to suffer regardless of the outcome- He trusted God’s unfailing love. 

If you feel like life is crashing and you are bouncing about on a busy highway, remember, God has the final say. If it is His will, you will walk out of the situation untouched. Jeremiah 29:11, For I know the plans I have for you… like Job, let us hold strong to our faith so that we too can declare “Even though my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh, I will see God” (Job19:26). God is in control of our lives and indeed He knows your story from beginning to end

Let us pray,

Heavenly Father, thank you for the beautiful reminder that you are in control of our lives. Help us to remember that when life throws us into turmoil, we can trust in You. Forgive us for not totally surrendering and trusting in your omniscience, and help us remember that you will never leave or forsake us. Thank you for reassuring us of your presence and interest in our lives. Thank you for reminding us that You know our story from beginning to end. Help us to bravely walk in your purpose despite life’s challenges. In Jesus’ name.

Amen