The View from Baltic Drive

Ok, I know that I have been copying from my emailed devotional alot over the past few days, but I couldn't resist this one! This has become one of my most loved and cherished verses lately. I feel like all my life I had "heard" of God, but only recently have I been able to catch actual glimpses of Him. To have Him consume me and be allowed into every part of my life. It is such an exciting and rewarding thing. While the process is sometimes painful, it is SO worth it to really know God in a personal way. Circumstances of life can be sad and painful, but how much more sad to go through life as a Christian who has never gone beyond "hearing" of God!

The God Who Is There
References:-->Job 42:1--17"My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you." (v. 5)

The Book of Job records the story of a godly man who underwent some of the most bitter experiences it is possible to meet with in this life. At first Job says very little about his difficulties, but later in the book he begins to face the reality of what has happened to him and declares that if he could have an interview with God he would tell Him exactly what he thought of Him (Job 23:1--17). It was when he faced his hardships, recognized how he really felt and admitted it that God came to him and answered him (Job 38:1--41:34). We must never be afraid of admitting that what we see around us doesn?t match up with what we know about the character of God. To blind our eyes to the realities of life for fear that what we observe might turn us against God is utterly foolish. We must face difficult issues, for it is only when we do so that we are ready to hear God speak. If we refuse to face reality, then our souls are not alert to hear His voice. We fear that we might hear something to make us even more uncertain of God, and thus prefer to take refuge in illusion. When Job faced the reality of his situation and how he really felt, then he was ready for God to speak. But notice God didn't give any answers to Job's questions. He gave Himself. Job had an encounter with God that more than satisfied him. He could live without answers when he knew that God was there.

Prayer:
Loving Father, the more I learn about You the more wonderful I see You are. Help me never to take refuge in illusion but to bring all my doubts and fears directly to You. Do for me what You did for Job -- enrich me with Your presence. In Jesus' Name. Amen.