Why MEEEEE?!!!

“And he said, ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed by the name of the Lord. Through all of this Job did not sin nor did he blame God.

“And the Lord said to Satan, ‘Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man fearing God and turning away from evil. And he STILL holds fast his integrity, although you incited Me against him, to ruin him without cause.’

“And Satan answered the Lord and said, ‘Skin for skin! Yes, all that a man has he will give for his life. However, put forth Thy hand, now, and touch his bone and his flesh; he will curse Thee to Thy face.’ So the Lord said to Satan, ‘Behold, he is in your power, only spare his life.’ Then Satan went out from the presence of the Lord, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head.” Job 1:21-22, 2:3-7

“What did Job do wrong? Nothing. He represents the very best of the species. Didn’t God Himself call Job ‘blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil’? Why then is Job suffering? Not for punishment. Far from it – he has been selected as the principal player in a great contest of the heavens.

“The prologue shows God and Satan involved in – something resembling a wager. – Satan scoffs that God, unworthy of love in Himself, only attracts people like Job because they’re ‘bribed’ to follow Him.

“When God accepts the challenge to test Satan’s theory, thus consenting to let Job’s response settle the issue, the calamities begin to rain down on poor, unsuspecting Job. – the Book of Job shows us God’s point of view.”*

Sometimes it is good to see someone real who has managed a hard walk with the Lord to appreciate how strong the LORD is during times of difficulty and to remember how important family & friends are when you are weak, afraid & confused & in pain. Please take a moment and look here: http://debdarley.blogspot.com/

Take care to understand His Word. Your servant and friend in Christ, Darlene

PS: ANY PRAYER UPDATES TODAY?

NEW PRAYER REQUEST: Many who face the holidays with sadness or loneliness in their hearts, that they may find something to do for others to fill that emptiness with love and hope & that those who have something to share find creative & surprising ways to share with others who have little or are alone.

OTHER PRAYER REQUESTS: Please continue to pray for those in & around Christchurch NZ who are still dealing with the aftermath of the terrible earthquake, including families of the lost miners. Isaias (family safety and his mission work in Philippines); God’s grace on USA. Randy (unexpected life changes). For Kevin (Godly wisdom with his son). Michael, as he struggles with the pending loss of his Mum. David P and Ulfur – for strength to overcome the hold of powerful addictions and for Ulfur with major life changes. For strength and wisdom for me.

ONGOING JOB RELATED: Pray for Tim, who continues to support Barb as she searches for work (in mid-Ohio - if you have any thought on this, please email me), that they have an understanding of God's plan in all this. Galdor resigned and now need the right job, not just a job.

ONGOING BEREVEMENT: Please remember to pray for the hearts of those left behind after the loss of loved ones recently – holidays always hurt a great deal. This includes: Sean, Cris, Jay, Greg, Di, Milly and David, Linda and Lavie. (details in earlier postings).

PRAISE & THANKSGIVING: Barb’s biopsy came back all OK. Paul N settling into his new work after two years depending on others. My friend and her broken relationship is strengthening again. For all those who have had wonderful suggestions for people job searching. Sue, is making slow progress against paraneoplastic syndrome. David (great health now!). Nancy, continues to progress well. The other Nancy is doing well against her cancer. Reg for his wonderful ministry.

PRAY FOR THOSE WITH HEALTH CONCERNS: Deb, special friend with multiple Myeloma (http://debdarley.blogspot.com/ ). Torgo, recovering from work injury. Earl good results but complications after bone marrow transplant. Wisdom for doctors caring for Doris, David, Poetry and Gary.

*Disappointment With God, by Philip Yancey