Deeper Life #228

Wherefore is light given to him that is in misery, and life unto the bitter in soul.

—Job 3:20

JOB DID NOT KNOW THE preface to his own story, and neither does any man. He was never told that God and the Devil had made a battleground of his soul. His suffering was not for his sake, or his perfecting, or his purifying—these were all incidental. No! It was simply the will of God.

In the midst of suffering, the word sounds with deeper, truer significance:” If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). The true disciple learns the meaning of “follow me” in the hour when the dilemma perplexes him, the billows overwhelm him, and the noise of God’s water spouts deafen him.

Doing God’s will according to my will—surely that is the very essence of Satan’s temptation of our Lord and of every sanctified soul. Some are tempted to take back their right to themselves and do God’s will according to their own sanctified understanding. “Never!” said Jesus.” For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me.”

Prayer Thought: Lord, teach me to follow You, even when I do not understand the circumstances.

SUGGESTED READING: Job 3