Who Do You Say? Reading With the People of God #19Sample

Declaration of Faith

My name is Mekelle and I don’t like to suffer. When bad things happen to me, I tend to freak out. I complain about what is happening and struggle with finding anything positive or good in my life. Focusing on what’s wrong is never helpful. It just leads to a negative attitude, a downcast spirit, and an inability to see God.

As I read Job chapter 19, I noticed that Job is upset and has many complaints. First, he is upset with his friends for being unsupportive, judgmental and terrible at comforting him in his time of need. Next, he blames God for striking him.

In Job 19:21 From the New Living Translation: “Have pity on me, my friends, have pity, for the hand of God has struck me." Job blames God for what has happened to him and continues to list all of the ways he has been wronged. Until we get to verse 25. In Job 19: 25-27 we read these words: From the English Standard Version:

I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me! "

Job declares his faith and turns towards God. During this time of extreme isolation, physical suffering, and rejection from loved ones Job fixes his eyes on God and proclaims that his redeemer lives. He clings to the hope that he will see God when he dies and longs to be with Him!

As I read Job’s words, I was impressed and encouraged by his faith. Especially because God had not healed Job, changed his circumstances or punished his friends. Job was still struggling, but Job knew who he belonged to and what the future held for him. He did not fear death, but was ready to meet God and see His face.

I don’t know about you, but I am going to work on shifting my focus towards God when I face difficulty because I know that my redeemer lives!

Primer contributed by Mekelle Lewis