Perseverance

“Upright men shall be astonied at this, and the innocent shall stir up himself against the hypocrite. The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger.” Job 17:8,9

While reading in Job this morning, the above verses caught my attention. Job is speaking of the effects that his trials will have on the righteous. And, who of us has not had feelings of amazement at the magnitude of sufferings which God allowed?

But, Job not only predicts Godly men being astonished…he also sees the righteous being strengthened by his story. Matthew Henry’s comments are as follows:

“We see the good use the righteous should make of Job’s afflictions from God, from enemies, and from friends. Instead of being discouraged in the service of God, by the hard usage this faithful servant of God met with, they should be made bold to proceed and persevere therein. Those who keep their eye upon heaven as their end, will keep their feet in the paths of religion as their way, whatever difficulties and discouragements they may meet with.” ~ Matthew Henry

A few questions this morning –

How are we affected when we read Job? How are we affected when we observe other believers persevering through trials? Do examples such as these strengthen our resolve to continue on for the Lord?

On the flip side – how are other believers affected by our example when the Lord allows us to go through a time of suffering? Could people say that they have grown “stronger and stronger” by our example of perseverance?

Just some things I’m “chewing on” this morning…

“At the timberline where the storms strike with the most fury, the sturdiest trees are found.” ~ Hudson Taylor