Week Fifteen - Praying for Results

Today, I completed my reading of Job. In this final chapter, Job humbly responds to God's claim of supremacy. With an utterly broken heart, he recognizes God's authority and wisdom, saying, "I know that thou cast do everything and that no thought can be withholden from thee. (vs. 2), "Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes" (vs 6). 

Then, his so-called friends become the focus of God's attention. They had attacked Job's integrity and painted God as merciless. Now, God requires their repentance and a burnt offering. To make His point further, He also requires a prayer from Job. This is the only thing God will accept, saying, "ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job" (vs 8).

Vindication is there for Job. Not that he was seeking it, but God gave it anyway. Job's trial is over. 

As I meditated on the situation, prayer took on a more pointed light. Only when we place ourselves humbly under God's authority and mercy can we ever expect an answer to prayer, and only then are we positioned to pray for others. Three things came to my attention.

1. We must pray with humility, not pride. We are not better than each other. Whether we are praying for a friend or a foe, we must remember that we have equal access, equal value, and equal accountability before the Lord. We are all on level ground. Pride tells us, as it did Job's friends, that our opinion is best, that our evaluation of the situation holds sway, and that we should be heard. But when we pray with humility, our words are fewer, and our hearts humbly weep as we recognize our own humanity.

2. We must pray, asking for God's will, not trying to tell Him what to do. Oh, how good we are at telling God what we think should be done, how we expect Him to answer, and what outcome will be to our benefit. Our prayers sound like commands and instructions instead of requests. God doesn't need our opinion. He works all things according to the purpose of His own will, not ours. And how thankful we should be for that truth, because if everything were done according to our will, things would be in a huge mess!

3. Prayer done in humble obedience opens the windows of heaven. Verse 10 reads, "And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before." Job's obedience was key to the release of his trial. Job didn't seek vengeance; he humbly prayed that God would accept the sacrifice of his friends and grant them forgiveness. He had no ulterior motive. Note: he prayed in obedience before he received the blessing. Isn't that further food for thought?

If you are expecting results from prayer, consider these three things, and then ask yourself these questions.

Am I praying from pride, looking for vindication or elevation? Do I pray humbly and with a heart of repentance? Can I rest in God's will and not demand my own? Do I pray a list of instructions to God? Am I expecting Him to answer according to my desires? Do my prayers qualify as obedient? Does God answer my prayers with blessings? Am I thankful and obedient before I receive the answer to my prayer, or discontent, whiny, and complaining? Do I pray in faith and leave the rest to God?

When we are praying for results, these thoughts matter.

Week Fourteen - Quietness and Trouble

Job 34:29 reads, "When he giveth quietness, who can make trouble?" These words are part of Elihu's lengthy speech to Job. 

Feeling very sure of himself, Elihu accuses Job of sin and rebellion against God. Surely, he affirms, God is just, and Job is wrong. He believes Job's pity party proves that he walks with men of iniquity (vs 7-8), and that Job believes following God is a waste of time (vs 9). "Listen to me," he says in verse 10. Notice that Job does not respond. Maybe he is resting in verse 29?

Scorners, scoffers, and accusers abound, spouting out their poisonous opinions, but we, like Job, are most usually wisest to let their windy words blow and rest ourselves in the peace that passes understanding.

Tom was preaching on Sunday about the two thieves hanging on crosses either side of Jesus. The one rails on our Lord, scoffing and accusing Christ of being false. Notice that Jesus, like Job, does not respond. This man's words condemn him. His actions toward the only One who could rescue him prove his unbelief. How sad that those who need a Saviour are the ones most vocal in rejecting Him.

But verse 29 held this thought for me: when God gives peace about a situation or decision, no amount of trouble or challenge can dislodge it.

In my journal, I recorded this - "God, even during a trial, has an amazing ability to bring peace and confidence when we cast our cares upon Him. Trouble cannot move us when we are resting in Him."

Have you found this true? I know I have. I've faced some heartbreaking and desperate situations with a peace that carried me through without emotional collapse. It isn't because I am strong. It is because He is, and He gives me His strength and quietness in the face of trouble.

Our world is in turmoil, but we can have quietness. Our life's situations may stretch and strain us, but when we rest ourselves in the Lord, He gives sufficient grace to walk the path before us.

So today, don't let the windy words of scoffers dislodge your emotions. Don't let trouble get the upper hand. Seek God's peace and let yourself rest in the peace that passes understanding. "When he giveth quietness, who can make trouble?"