God on Our Terms
Posted by: forthrightmag <forthrightmag@...>
http://www.forthright.net
Going straight to the Cross
Serving God means taking the bad with the good.
God on Our Terms
by Ron Harper
The devil completely misunderstood Job's faith in
God. In his conversation with God the devil asked,
"Does Job fear God for nothing? Hast Thou not made
a hedge around him and his house and all that he
has, on every side? Thou has blessed the work of
his hands, and his possessions have increased in
the land" (Job 1:9,10).
The devil thought he knew a way to turn Job away
from God. "But put forth Thy hand now and touch
all that he has; he will surely curse Thee to Thy
face."
Satan's accusation was simple. "God, Job is only
serving you because nothing bad has happened to
him. Allow him to experience some real tragedy and
he'll turn his back on you."
Some people want God "on their terms." As long as
all is well they will serve God. As soon as
tragedy comes they turn away.
A man was approached about hearing the Gospel. His
response was a picture of bitterness. "I've lost
two wives and two sons. God didn't have time for
me so I don't have time for God."
Some people are like that. They will believe in
God on their terms. They will only believe in a
God who will protect them from all tragedy.
Back to the story of Job: The devil completely
underestimated Job. Although Job did not
understand what was happening to him, he
maintained faith in God. In the end he was blessed
by God.
Centuries later James wrote, "You have heard of
the endurance of Job and seen the outcome of the
Lord's dealings, that the Lord is full of
compassion and is merciful."
We cannot have God "on our terms." He has not
promised to shield us from all tragedy. We can be
sure that he blesses those who patiently maintain
faith in him.
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