Former Generation

“Ask the former generation and find out what their ancestors learned, for we were born only yesterday and know nothing and our days on earth are but a shadow.” ~ Job 8:8-9

The story of Job in the Old Testament is a story of a righteous man who experiences tremendous suffering and then has discussions with three friends who come to comfort him, but they really end up giving him their thoughts as to why he is suffering.  In the above verse, Bildad, one of Job’s friends, tells Job that he should ask the elders for their advice and wisdom as maybe he can learn from them.  True, we can learn from the mistakes and pasts of others, but when going through seasons of difficulty, the best thing anyone can do is seek God and trust Him.  Our lives are often filled with tests from God and when we use our human knowledge to try and figure things out we often become frustrated because we don’t understand His ways.  That’s why we are called to trust.  We have to search, seek and trust God in difficult times and remember that our problems here, and our life are temporary.  While things seem bleak and you feel forgotten, trust that the Lord has you and He is faithful.  I have to remember that His ways are higher and I am limited in my wisdom as a human being, but I can trust that there is always a purpose and a reason.  We can seek godly counsel, wisdom and advice from Godly people, but we must take everything prayerfully to God.  There will always be trials and tests that sometimes God even allows for the purpose of refining us.  Job’s friends believed in retribution theology – the theology that if you sin, punishment falls on you and so Job must have sinned.  He must be wicked.  But we know that Job is blameless and he is not being punished for sin, but rather being tested to demonstrate his loyalty and faith in God.  Suffering is not always a punishment.  Sometimes it’s a test.  How will you respond?  1 Peter 4:19 says, “So then, those who suffer according to God’s will should commit themselves to their faithful Creator and continue to do good.” Trust and do good always.  Let us be as strong, loyal and faithful as Job and keep in mind that this life is temporary.  We will be home soon. ~ Amen