God’s Word Says….

Job 33:14-19 (NCV)

¹⁴ God does speak—sometimes one way and sometimes another – even though people may not understand it. ¹⁵ He speaks in a dream or a vision of the night when people are in a deep sleep, lying on their beds. ¹⁶ He speaks in their ears and frightens them with warnings ¹⁷ to turn them away from doing wrong and to keep them from being proud. ¹⁸ God does this to save people from death, to keep them from dying. ¹⁹ People may be corrected while in bed in great pain; they may have continual pain in their very bones.

My Thoughts…..

I believe that many of us are like Job where we feel like God must have left the scene, as everything is going wrong that could possibly go wrong, in spite of our plea to God through sincere prayer and meditation. Further, I believe that many of us are like the young Elihu, who was respectfully speaking to his elder Job at this crucial time in his life, where we might feel like we are too young to speak to that older saint of God and offer support, encouragement or especially godly advice. But friend, I was reminded here that God is no respecter of persons, and that He can choose whatever age person He desires to faithfully carry His message. I believe that He also showed me that when I pray expecting a word from Him, it will not be my choice of persons who might bring the answer from God. If I plead with God about something, then I had better be prepared spiritually to receive a response from God through whatever means He chooses. Elihu also brought a good message to Job and to us by giving examples of how God speaks to His various kids in need.

Challenge……

Isn’t it sad that it takes God pounding on us through circumstances for us to believe and accept His response? In the New Testament we are reminded that it often takes faith like a child to believe, and that a small ounce of faith could move a mountain! It is unfortunate that we instinctively turn to God in our time of need, but find it challenging to receive His response and believe in faith? Two questions for my friends and I: 1). Let us talk with God about our level of faith, and ask Him that we might just as easily receive His response and believe, as we would in asking Him for a need; and 2). We must be obedient like Elihu and allow God to speak through us to whomever He desires. Whether older or younger than we are. Remember, it is God that wills and it is He that is speaking through us, so there is nothing to fear!

Prayer……

Dear Lord, You have shown me two things in this chapter of Job. First, that I must be careful to receive Your response through Your messenger of choice, not mine. Please help me to concentrate and dedicate myself fully to You and to humble myself to other saints that You might choose to use to bring You glory. Who am I to question? I am but a particle of dirt in this land compared to You. Please help me to always recognize your power and acknowledge Your strength, wisdom and direction. Secondly, I thank You for showing me through Elihu that I too can be used for Your glory, if You so choose. My responsibility is to be obedient to Your voice and carryout the instructions that You might lead me to, regardless of the stature or social status of the individual You might lead me to. Please touch Your warriors, my friends and I that might meditate on this devotional today, so that we may do Your will in ways that You may dictate, and to whomever You might lead us to. These things I ask in Your awesome and powerful name dear Jesus, AMEN!

Action…..

In response to God leading You through this devotional today, please get with a Bible teaching Pastor you may know and allow him to guide you. Otherwise feel free to reply to my post online, or you may email me directly at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I will gladly add you to my prayer list, and/or respond to your request(s) ASAP.