SUNDAY February 2, 2020
Persevere to the End
You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.
James 5:11
James knew the brethren had heard about Job, and he reminded them of his perseverance. They had seen through the Scriptures, God’s intended plan for Job. God allowed Job to go through tremendous trials, but He was in complete control of the situation. Understand, Satan needed permission from God to test Job (Job 1:6-12). Yet Job could not see past the end of his trials. During this season of suffering, and despite incredible trials, Job persevered. In sure steadfastness, he continued to trust in God, and he did not react sinfully:
Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped. And he said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong (Job 1:20-22).
In Scripture, inspired by God’s own divine hand, we also have been given the benefit of seeing Job’s full story. If you have read Job’s story, then you already know it is going to be alright––there was light at the end of the tunnel. As Job persevered, God gave him more than he had in the beginning of his life (Job 42:10).
In this life, Satan will try to attack us. He roams about as a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8), but we can overcome through Him. God enables each one of us to overcome our trials and tribulations through the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 8:12-17; 28).
As we walk through difficult seasons of trials, God will comfort and give to us His compassion and mercy. During times of trial, be steadfast. Focus your eyes on the end––not the beginning. Persevere to the finish line. It is going to be alright––there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.
~1 Peter 4:19~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!