There’s something peaceful about walking along a beach shore. Waves tickle your feet as they swoosh by in a game of chase. Shells sunbathe, and shiny green strands of kelp lounge on the sand. These tranquil moments can be treasured and recalled when times become rough. Storms will arise.
Job of the Old Testament knew how quickly fortune could change. His crops flourished, his livestock increased, and his children thrived. Until one night when disaster struck and all was lost, except for his grumpy wife. Within days, sores festered on Job and more anguish occurred.
Job cried out to God, asking why the disasters happened. He begged God for mercy. “Your hands shaped me and made me,” Job prayed. “Will you now turn and destroy me?” (Job 10:8 NIV)
Perhaps you also are in a season of suffering. Disorder and darkness descend. You don’t understand and need relief. The grief is so heavy you want to give up. You can’t fathom the mysteries of God and fear He no longer hears you.
Job needed to know God still loved him. After wrestling with candid bitterness and disappointment, Job heard God.
Because Job remained constant and loyal—even when the blessings seemed to disappear—the Lord rewarded him. God doubled Job’s fortunes and blessed the later part of his life more than the former (Job 42:10-12 NIV).
No one wants to hurt. If bankruptcy should befall you or cancer attack you, can God entrust you with suffering and still see your faith remain steadfast? Pray for His deliverance and watch how He can secure.
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Today’s Prayer:
Dear Lord,
I cry out to you for help. Please comfort me and help me remain steadfast.
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Tracy's soothing photography set to music with encouraging Scriptures can be found on YouTube at
Another resource is the Billy Graham Library, which offers pointers on how to console someone suffering in the article “Five Ways to Help Those Suffering Crises” posted August 9, 2016 at https://billygrahamlibrary.org/5-ways-to-help-those-suffering-crises/.
