"I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand upon the earth." Job 19:25
It is hard to imagine a greater shock than the one that came to a couple in the Missouri Ozarks when they learned that someone had wiped out their family by killing their four children. Christian faith sustained the parents. They relied on the Word of God. The message that sustained them was the assurance of God to them: “Your children are in My hands.” Their life continued. God gave them a second family of three children.
That man of great faith, Job of the Bible, had a similar experience. He lost his possessions, his health, the support of his spouse. But even more, he lost his sons and daughters who perished when a severe storm destroyed the house where they were assembled. On hearing this, Job felt thoroughly stripped of everything. He tore his robe, fell to the ground, and exclaimed, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised” (Job 1:21).
Job survived in his faith, confessing, “I know that my Redeemer lives” (Job 19:25). It meant that he, too, would rise again from the grave. But even more! Job was to live many more years. God gave him a second family and enabled him to see “his children and their children to the fourth generation” (Job 42:16).
God has not promised that He would replace lost families, but He has solemnly declared, “I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10). Also this: “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). This grace is given to us in its fullness in Jesus Christ, His Son, who gave His life for our salvation.
PRAYER: Give me strength, Lord God, to sustain me amid my weaknesses. Amen.
(Devotions from "With Jesus Every Day" copyright 1997, CPH. All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be printed, reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission of Concordia Publishing House. Permission is granted for one-time emailing of this link to a friend. For information on other devotional material, please contact CPH at 800-325-3040 or visit CPH at www.cph.org.)
Today's Bible Readings: Psalms 45-47 1 Corinthians 10:19-33
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