“Go deep in intimacy with Almighty God in your time of intense affliction. Immerse in love.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – December 9, 2022
Oh that I knew how to find Him, That I might come to His home! Job 23:3, NASB
Job sought God in his suffering Instead of waving a fist over the feeling of being treated unjustly. The loss of his children, the failure of his business, and the infliction of physical pain…Job chooses to seek God in the middle of his severe trials. Faith is designed by our heavenly Father to be tested by trials and temptations. Untested… it’s unfamiliar with the depth and breadth of God’s love and care. Like any relationship, there is only a surface, somewhat shallow understanding of one another…until one or both walk through the valley of fear, shame, or loss. Job’s desire is to go home to be with his God, not run away in fear—but run toward in humble trust.
For the past two years, my doctor has been employing active surveillance of potential cancerous activity in my prostate. This past summer a biopsy confirmed his suspicion…early-stage cancer. After exhaustive research and intense individual and community prayer, I started Proton Radiation Treatment for 28 consecutive business days, concluding the Tuesday before Thanksgiving. The Lord has loved me so profoundly through His medical professionals, and my family and friends, tenderly reminding me to abide in His love…so as to love others with new depth and meaning. “My beloved son, Boyd, your current affliction is not about you… it’s about My glory and purpose…for you to point those who care for you to back My care for them.” My story is still unfolding as I seek intimacy in affliction. Praying for a 100% cure, but either way—I’m healed…on earth or in heaven!
“Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him (Job 13:15).
Are you running to the Lord in humble trust or drifting away from Him in fearful distrust? Pause. Pray. Take a deep breath…and believe. Believe your same Savior Jesus who secured heaven for you by His grace is the same Lord Jesus who is in control of your life and circumstances. The Holy Spirit will lead you…as you lean into Him…hopeful and aware of His presence to show you one day at a time…your next step. God gives you grace for today and hope for tomorrow. Rest. Go deep in intimacy with Almighty God in your time of intense affliction. Immerse in love.
Remember those who are watching you to see if you live out what you have believed all these years as a faithful follower of Jesus. Use your new reality as an opportunity to grow and adapt…not become a victim stuck in your situation. Give genuine attention to those who tirelessly serve and give you attention, not taking advantage of your neediness to totally drain all their energy. Be grateful to God and His children who love and give, so you might live. Live with love. Live with peace. Live with joy. Live with hope. Your life is a living sacrifice of intimate love on the Lord’s altar of affliction. Like Job, Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.
“Looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (Hebrews 12:2).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I seek you with my whole heart whether in suffering or being secure, I trust you, through Christ’s love, and in Jesus’ name, amen.
Application
In what situation or person do I need to remove my direct focus and instead gaze on God and discover how He wants me to love others, especially during difficult days?
Related Reading
Psalm 34:19-20, 25:16-18; Romans 12:12; 2 Corinthians 1:6-7, 4:8-9, 6:4-6
Worship Resource
We the Kingdom feat. Maverick City: Child of Love
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