SATURDAY February 1, 2025

Is Your Heart Prepared for Life?

“Shall we indeed accept good from God,
and shall we not accept adversity?”
Job 2:10

We all have to be prepared for this life–-life can be so cruel. Job had a heart close to the heart of God, and that is why he was well prepared to face his trials and testings. Listen to Job’s response when his wife said to him: “Curse God and die!” (Job 2:9). He replied, “Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” (Job 2:10). We need to have that same heart and attitude before our adversities happen.

When numerous tragedies struck, Job lost everything––his servants, livestock, children, wealth and health––yet his outlook and spiritual depth of character were seen in his response: “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 1:21-22).

In this life, I have learned that it is best not to hold on to people or things too tightly. Corrie Ten Boom watched her older sister Betsie die in Ravensbrück concentration camp during World War II. She knew loss and advised: “Hold everything in your hands lightly, otherwise it hurts when God pries your fingers open.” Look at the recent fires in California; who expected such a catastrophic event? Many people lost everything.

In such times as these, it is God’s Word that ministers to us. If we are open to the Holy Spirit, we can learn from these tragic circumstances. Those who are young need to understand that they are going to have to face a lot of things in life––disaster and heartbreak. Take time to read Job’s experiences to prepare your heart for what life can bring. God allows testing and trials to build your character and cause spiritual growth.

Remember, God is loving; He watches over your life. He is also sovereign; nothing can happen to you that has not already passed through His hands. God is faithful and just (Psalm 7:11).

There is no such thing as “chance,” “luck” or “accident” in the Christian journey through this world. All is arranged and appointed by God. And all things are “working together” for the believer’s good.
~J.C. Ryle~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!