Finding Hope - Job

“As for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last. And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God! I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought!”

Job 19:25-27

Nelson Mandela, who fought bravely to end South Africa’s system of racial segregation known as apartheid, spent much of his life in a seemingly hopeless situation. In an effort to stop his “subversive” activities, the South African government sentenced Mandela to life in prison, where he remained for twenty-six years.

Even as he sat day after endless day in his cell, Mandela never gave up hope. When he finally won his release in 1990, he continued to work against apartheid, and four years later, he became South Africa’s first black president.

Nothing more than hope keeps a man going during difficult times. That is especially true when the circumstances seem hopeless.

Job clung to that kind of hope.

Job was a good man who suffered terribly and apparently without cause. The Bible says that he lived and walked in complete integrity. For much of his recorded story, Job lamented his misery, fell into discouragement, and asked God, “Why?” Job became so deeply depressed that at one time he wanted to stop breathing just so he could find some peace.

How did Job get through it?

Even in the midst of his suffering and despair, Job found comfort and encouragement in God’s promise that he would one day meet his Maker and Redeemer. “I am overwhelmed at the thought!” Job said of the day when his faith would become sight.

That kind of hope can sustain a person even in the dark.

From what do you draw hope during difficult times? Remember that your worst days won’t last forever and better days are coming. Remember also that you will one day see your Redeemer, Jesus Christ, face to face. That promise can get you through anything!