There is a really good guy who loves God. His name is Job. The devil wants to prove to God that Job will crack under pressure and curse God. God agrees to let the devil give it a try, as long as he doesn't lay a finger on Job. The man is tried, tested, plundered, and pillaged, but continues to worship God. Long story short, the devil is wrong; God is right; and Job is a hero. The end.
Yesterday I began reading the book of Job. I've always heard the synopsis of the story, but have never really taken the time to really read it. So, what better time than now to start? Exactly.
I tend to read quickly, especially if it's a good story. My husband suggested I slow down and "savor" the words and meaning once in a while. So, I am trying that with Job. That means, I only have read chapter one. And I'm glad, because there is a lot there to consider! But there is one thought, specifically, that keeps running through my head: My response is my responsibility.
First responders are emergency personnel who arrive first on the scene of an emergency. They are trained to think on their feet and know the right thing to do to help those who need it, no matter the situation. They asses the situation and go to action without stopping to map out a plan, dwell on their feelings, or take things personally. They know that gets everyone nowhere fast. Without first responders, many emergencies would become even greater within no time at all. They are key players in saving lives and deescalating tragedies.
So what does this little assessment have to do with Job, you ask? Well, let me tell you!
Job was a very rich and blessed man; and Job loved to worship the LORD. He strove to live a righteous life and did all he could to please God. His focus was not on his circumstances, as pleasant as they were, rather on fearing the LORD and shunning evil. Because God allowed it to happen, tragedy struck. All in one day, Job lost his thousands of flocks and herds, hundreds of servants, and his 10 children. This kind of news would be enough to break any man...and no one would think twice about it! And guess what happened... Job mourned. And Job fell to the ground in worship.
(1:21) He said,
"Naked I came from my mother's womb,
and naked I will depart.
The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away;
May the name of the LORD be praised!"
(22) In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.
Do you see that? Job was a first responder in his own emergency. He did exactly what needed to be done first in order to "save" his life. HE WORSHIPED. That was his first response. And it got me to thinking...Maybe my day-to-day "emergencies" don't quite compare to Job's; or maybe they do because, regardless, they are very real threats to my personal walk with the LORD. In reality, they are potential stumbling blocks on my own path to righteousness and living in His Glory.
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| "...Then he fell to the ground in worship..." ~ Job 1:20 |
And this is what He has taught me: My response is my responsibility. My first responsibility is to worship; that's what I was created to do! Putting God first puts the rest of it all into perspective: It's not about me. At all. Ever.
In the words of my friend Rebecca, "I overlook the power of and in my response. I underestimate the influence of my response for good and for glory." Me, too. All I know is that I can't control the world around me. I can't control other people and their thoughts, feelings, or actions. All I can do is realize that my response to life's horrible circumstances (misunderstandings, fights, stress, intolerance, disapproval, etc.) should be to stop and let God be God. And that is how His Glory is made known.
Wow. If that was all from chapter one...bring on chapter two!!
