ENTRUSTING YOUR LIFE AND EXPERIENCES TO GOD

                                 

  WHEN JESUS SUFFERING; ENTRUSTING YOU LIFE AND EXPERIENCES TO GOD

“…he entrusted himself to him who judges justly…” (1 Peter 2:19-23 NIV).

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What God’s people think of ourselves, in their hearts, impacts who they are and the image they project to others. “…as he [or she] thinketh in his [or her] heart, so is he [or she]…” (PROVERBS 23:7 KJV).

It’s okay to desire to project a certain image, however, as a believer, there is NOW only ONE image we need to project and that’s Jesus’ image. Be “…conformed to the image of His Son (the LIVING Word)…” (Romans 8:28).

Usually, the problem with projecting Jesus’ image is the issue of pride lingering somewhere in the heart. “…If My people ...shall humble themselves, …” (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV). “But the people replied, “…We will continue to live as WE WANT TO, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT).

Some people try, very hard, to project a certain image, but OFTEN there is a discrepancy between the image you “think” you project and the one that is “actually” being projected. “...outwardly [you] appear righteous unto men, but within ye are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites...” (Matthew 23:13-33 KJV).

“…hypocrites ...This people honoureth me with [their] lips, but [their] heart is far from me...” (Mark 7:6 KJV).   

“…If [God’s people] “SAY” that [they] have fellowship with him, and WALK IN DARKNESS (hypocrisy, phoniness, etc.), [THEY] LIE, and DO NOT THE TRUTH…” (1 John 1:6 KJV).

“…He (Jesus) knew what was in each person’s heart…” (John 2:24-25 NLT).

“...hypocrites! for [God’s people] make clean the outside of the cup (religious appearance) and of the platter, but within (in their hearts) they are full of extortion and excess...” (Matthew 23:13-33 KJV).

“... except [the] righteousness [of God’s people] shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, [Those claiming to be God’s people] shall [not] enter into the kingdom of heaven...” (Matthew 5:10 KJV).

If you have a desired image you want to project, you usually work on it constantly, but, ask yourself, it is your desired image or God’s? Be “…conformed to the image of His Son (the LIVING Word)…” (Romans 8:28).

Building your own image means you are concerned with building a particular reputation among certain people, family, and community. “… [Jesus] made himself of no reputation and took upon him[self] the form of a servant…” Philippian 2:3, 7 KJV).

Building YOUR own image is driven by pride and personal agenda. People try to build their own image in ministry, in their various roles in life, among their family, friends, and community, because they take pride in having a certain reputation. “…everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted…” (Luke 18:14 ASV).

God’s people willingly and voluntarily CHOOSE to project ONE IMAGE and that is the IMAGE of Jesus Christ. “... [Jesus] made himself of no reputation and took upon him[self] the form of a servant…” Philippian 2:3, 7 KJV).

“…In this world we are LIKE JESUS…” (1 John 4:17 NIV). “...Be … imitators of [Jesus]…” (Hebrews 12:14; Ephesians 5:1 ASV). “… growing in every way more and more like Christ…” (Ephesians 4:14-16 NLT). “…be conformed to the image of his Son…” (ROMANS 8:29 KJV).

Even if the IMAGE you want to project is full of noble characteristics (you want to have the image of being nice, holy, a giver, forgiving, kindhearted, etc.), it is still YOUR agenda; not God’s. “... [Jesus] made himself of no reputation and took upon him[self] the form of a servant…” Philippian 2:3, 7 KJV). “…everyone who exalts [themselves, by building their own image and reputation) will be humbled, but he who humbles himself(herself) will be exalted…” (Luke 18:14 ASV).

God DOES the work of conforming, his people. to the IMAGE of Jesus; not them. “…God [the Holy Spirit] … DOES the work IN and THROUGH all of us [his people] …[God, the] HOLY SPIRIT DISPLAYS God’s power THROUGH each of his people …” (1 Corinthians 12:4-11 NLT). “… [God’s popele]… can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth [them]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…It is God who works in [his people]… to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13 NIV). “… the God of peace, … that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip[s his people] with everything good for doing his will, and …work[s] in [his people]… what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen…” (Hebrews 13:20-21 NIV). “…NOW UNTO HIM THAT IS “ABLE” TO DO (conform, his people, into the image of Jesus)… according to the [indwelling] power that worketh in [them]…” (Ephesians 3:20 KJV).  

Some of Hebrew definitions, for pride, mean to be arrogant, conceited, have misguided audacity, use stubborn speech, display evil actions, are high-minded, or are puffed-up. “…do not think of yourself more highly than you ought…” (Romans 12:3 NIV). “...if anyone thinks he(SHE) is something when he (she) is nothing, he(she) deceives himself (herself)...” (Galatians 6:3 NASB).

In addition, the Hebrew definition implies that this kind of person projects an image that is a smoke-screen for another image. “...man (woman) looks at the outward appearance, …”(1 Samuel 16:7 NASB). “Woe unto you (people), ...which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness… ” (Matthew 23:27 KJV).

Usually people work hard on their image and can get haughty about it. “…King Nebuchadnezzar. … was walking on the roof of the royal palace of Babylon, he (PRIDEFULLY) said, “Is not this the great Babylon “I” have built as the royal residence, by “my” mighty power and for the glory of “my” majesty?” (Daniel 4 NLT). “….The way of a fool is right in his own eyes…” (Proverbs 12:15 KJV). “…There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death...” (Proverbs  14:20 KJV).

. “Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe…” (Proverbs 28:26 NIV). King Nebuchadnezzar t “… said, “Is not this the great Babylon “I” have built as the royal residence, by “my” mighty power and for the glory of “my” majesty?” (Daniel 4 NLT).

 “ .... the people replied, “…We will continue to live as WE WANT TO, stubbornly following our own evil desires…” (JEREMIAH 18:12 NLT). “... my people would not listen to me. They KEPT DOING WHATEVER THEY WANTED, following the stubborn desires of their evil hearts…” (Jeremiah 7:24 NLT). “…those who walk in pride … [God] is able to humble” (Daniel 4:37 NIV).

However, whether God’s people are aware of it or not; like it or not, PRIDE is driving the desire for projecting “ANY” image other than that of Jesus. “...For from within, out of the heart of man, proceed evil thoughts… wickedness… pride...  All these evil things come from within...” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV).

People can even “project” an image of humility while inwardly doing whatever “they” want to do and not what God wants them to do. “…‘These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me…” (Mark 7:6-8 NLT). “...For from within, out of the heart of man, proceed evil thoughts… wickedness… pride...  All these evil things come from within...” (Mark 7:21-23 KJV).

Desiring to project a certain image, overtly or covertly, seems harmless, especially if the desired image is consider good and acceptable, right? How can wanting to project an image of humility or holiness be prideful? Why would God have a problem with that?

Because when YOU project that image you take pride in YOUR ability to project it. To project the image of true humility or holiness, which are God’s qualities, “…it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure...” (Philippians 2:13 KJV).

“…I HAVE DONE IT, declares the Lord…’” (Ezekiel 37 NIV). “…the Father (the indwelling Holy Spirit) that dwelleth in me (Jesus and his people), he doeth the works (the Holy Spirit doeth the work of conforming “his” people into the IMAGE of Jesus) …” (John 14:10 KJV).

Without knowing it God’s people can become religiously prideful of their independent and autonomous efforts to create their OWN Christ-like image. “….Apart from [the indwelling POWER], [God’s people]… can do nothing…” (John 15:5 NIV).

“...So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God. Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job…” (Job 33:1-10 KJV).

It never even crosses their mind that it is a prideful thing. “…those who walk in pride … [God] is able to humble” (Daniel 4:37 NIV). “…everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted…” (Luke 18:14 ASV). “…do not think of yourself more highly than you ought…” (Romans 12:3 NIV). “...if anyone thinks he(SHE) is something when he (she) is nothing, he(she) deceives himself (herself)...” (Galatians 6:3 NASB).

Job was an upright man and full of integrity, even God complimented him. Job had his OWN image of himself too. During his “season of suffering” Job thought he was projecting his righteous image, but his friends saw something else. “…So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes…” (Job 32:1 KJV).

Elihu, inspired by the Spirit, questioned Job about his righteous image. “…The spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.” (Job 33:1-9 KJV). “Surely thou hast spoken in mine hearing, and I have heard the voice of thy words, saying, I am clean without transgression, I am innocent; neither is there iniquity in me (Job’s image of himself). Behold, he findeth occasions against me, he counteth me for his enemy, He putteth my feet in the stocks, he marketh all my paths (Job’s attitude about his “season of suffering”). Behold, in this thou art not just: I will answer thee, that God is greater than man (Even in “seasons of suffering” God’s righteous is STILL prominent over man’s, including Job). Why dost thou strive against him? for he giveth not account of any of his matters (God is ALWAYS “more” righteous even when he allows you to go through “seasons of suffering”)” (Job 33:8-13 KJV).

Elihu didn’t accuse Job of any secret sin like his other friends, but he saw Job striving against God. Elihu thought Job was justifying HIS righteousness over the righteousness of God in allowing him to go through a “season of suffering.” Elihu saw Job holding the image of his righteous self in a higher place than the righteous of the DIVINE God, who was allowing him to go through a “season of suffering”. “...Elihu spake moreover, and said, Thinkest thou this to be right, that thou saidst, My righteousness is more than God's?” (Job 35:1-2 KJV).

Throughout chapters 36 and 37 Elihu witnesses and ministers to Job about the goodness of God, the sovereignty of God, the wonderful works of God, and the glory of God who is righteous ALL the time and in ALL he chooses to do. “...The LORD is righteous in all His ways And kind in all His deeds...” (Psalms 145:17 NASB). “....As for God, His way is blameless; The word of the LORD is tried; He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him...” (Psalms 18:30 NASB). “...The LORD is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion...” (Psalms 116:5 NIV). “...You are righteous, LORD, and your laws are right...”(Psalm 119:137 NIV).

Elihu didn’t talk about any secret sin of Job’s, but only of the love, grace, mercy, and salvation of God bestowed on mere, finite, unrepentant man. “...what are mere mortals (LIKE JOB or God’s people) that [God, the Holy Spirit]... should think about ...[them], human beings that [HE]... should care for [THEM?” (Psalm 8:4 NLT). “...What is man(kind) that [God would] take thought of [them], And the son of man (humanity as a whole) that You care for [them]?” (Psalm 8:4 NASB). “.. LORD, what are human beings that you care for them, mere mortals that you think of them?” (Psalms 144:3 NASB). “... O LORD, what are human beings that you should notice them, mere mortals that you should think about them?” (Psalm 144:3 NLT). "...What is mankind that you make so much of them, that you give them so much attention...” (Job 7:17 NASB). "...What are people, that you should make so much of us, that you should think of us so often?” (Job 7:17 NLT).

God, the Holy Spirit, has CREATED the vast universe and galaxies and yet he takes the time to CARE for unworthy human beings. The earth is the Lord's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein…” (Psalm 24:1 KJV). “...All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being … (John 1:1-4 NASB). “… “…for the world is mine, and the fulness thereof…(Psalm 50:12 KJV). “…Thine, O Lord is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine…” (1 Chronicles 29:11 KJV).

“...what are mere mortals (LIKE Job or God’s people) that [God, the Holy Spirit]... should think about ...[them], human beings that [HE]... should care for [THEM?]” (Psalm 8:4 NLT).

 “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV). “...He careth for [his people]....” (1 Peter 5:7 KJV). “… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “…I change NOT…” (Malachi 3:6 KJV).

“...What is man that You take thought of him (her) ..[OR]... that You care for him(her)?...[OR]...that thou (God, Holy Spirit, would)...visitest him(her)?” (Psalm 8:4 NASB & Hebrews 2:6 KJV).

WHY? Because, “…God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 KJV). “... Herein is love, not that [mankind] loved God, but that he loved [them] and sent His Son to be the propitiation (substitute, intervention) for [their] sins.” (1 John 4:10 KJV). “…Christ (PROOF of God’s LOVE and CARE) ... suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring [mankind back] to God (back to love) …” (1 Peter 3:18 KJV).

God was“…not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9 KJV). “…God showed his great love for [mankind] by sending Christ to die for [them] while [they] were STILL sinners...” (Romans 5:8 NLT).

“…HE GAVE his only begotten Son…” (John 3:16 KJV). “…[God, the Holy Spirit]... delivered him  (his son) up for us all….?” (Romans 8:32 KJV). Jesus said  “…[he came] ... to give His life a ransom for many...” (Matthew 20:28 KJV). “...[Jesus]... said, It is finished…” (John 19:28-30 KJV). “… I [laid]... down my life... [FOR YOU] …” (John 10:17-18 KJV).  “ ... [Jesus, God’s only begotten son, made]... it possible for many to be counted righteous, for he [bore]...all their sins…” (Isaiah 53:11 NLT).

“...What is man that You take thought of him” (Psalm 8:4 NASB). “…God is LOVE…” (1 John 4:4-8 KJV).

Back to Job, eventually, God breaks into the conversation and talks to Job himself. Job is, no doubt, an upright man full of integrity, but God is sovereignly righteous over the universe, including the people. He asked JOB: “...Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding. Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it? Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof; When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy? Or who shut up the sea with doors, when it brake forth, as if it had issued out of the womb? When I made the cloud the garment thereof, and thick darkness a swaddling band for it, And brake up for it my decreed place, and set bars and doors,  And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy proud waves be stayed?,,,” (Job 38:4-11 KJV).

Because Job SAW his OWN righteous image in light of his “season of suffering,” it made him JUDGE God’s righteousness inappropriately. “...O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over the clay...?” (Romans 9:20-21 KJV).

Without God, every single person upon earth “… [have become]…..unclean and [their] righteousnesses are as filthy rags….” (Isaiah 64:6 KJV).  

They have NO righteous of their OWN.  “...[God’s people can]...no longer count on [their] own righteousness... [they]...become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith...” (Philippians 3:9 NLT). “...God’s ....gift of righteousness, for all who receive .....through this one man, Jesus Christ...” (Romans 5:10-16 NLT). “…jesus Christ, the GIFT of righteousness…” (Romans 5:17 KJV).

“…As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:” (Romans 3:10 KJV).

“For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not” (Ecclesiastes 7:20 KJV

 “And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God” (Mark 10:18 KJV).

Job’s problem was not what he had done; he was upright and full of integrity. However, Job had one image of himself and another image of God. “...Hath not the potter power over the clay...?” (Romans 9:20-21 KJV).

During Job’s “season of suffering” his righteous IMAGE of himself changed and so did his IMAGE of the “always” righteous ways of God . “...I know that You can do everything, and that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You (Job changed his perspective about God’s sovereignty). You asked, 'Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?' Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know (Job became more humble about God’s wisdom and righteous ways). Listen, please, and let me speak; You said, 'I will question you, and you shall answer Me.' I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You (Job grew in his personal revelation knowledge of God and his DIVINE nature). Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes (Job repented)...” (Job 42:1-6 KJV).

Not only did Job have an improper image of his own righteousness, but he also had an improper image of the righteousness of the sovereign God. Job, however, repented and grew spiritually as a result. “… now my eye sees You...” (Job 42:1-6 KJV). “...O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over the clay...?” (Romans 9:20-21 KJV).

Job demonstrates to, God’s people, why they cannot afford to get complacent in an righteous IMAGE of themselves. “…Grow in the grace and knowledge of our LORD and SAVIOUR Jesus Christ…” (2 Peter 3:18). 

There will ALWAYS be room to grow and develop spiritually. As long as God’s people are upon earthy, they can NEVER think they have arrived at some righteous pinnacle. “… [Therefore]… we all … are changed into the same image [of Christ] from glory to glory …” (2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV).  ^“…until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ...” (Ephesians 4:14 NIV).

God said Job was a “…perfect and upright and one that feareth God and escheweth evil…” (Job 1:1 KJV). However, all of God’s people must say, “...I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I ...[choose to]...press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus...” (Philippians 13:13-14 KJV). “...I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us...” (Philippians 13:13-14 NLT). “...Hath not the potter power over the clay...?” (Romans 9:20-21 KJV).

Job’s friends, during his “season of suffering,” challenged his righteousness. Job tried to defend his righteousness instead of God’s righteousness, the owner of righteousness. “O Lord, righteousness belongeth unto thee…”(Daniel 9:7 KJV). Many believers have this problem today.

One of the wonderful benefits of Job’s “season of suffering” is that he grew in the grace and knowledge of God” and he received a new revelation of the God’s DIVINE and HOLY character. “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV). “…I’ve ... done... [marvelous things for you] ...so you will know that I am the Lord…” (Exodus 10:1-2 NLT). “…your deliverer…” (Psalms 18:3 NASB).

“… “I AM WHO I AM …” (Exodus 3:14-15 NASB).  “…I am the Lord, the God of all flesh…” (Jeremiah 32:27 KJV). “…You are very GREAT…” (Psalm 104:1-2 NASB).

“… he [THAT] hath done marvellous things…” (Psalm 98:1 KJV).

 “...Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.  My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever...” (Psalm 73:25-26 KJV). “… entrust yourself] to him who judges justly…” (1 Peter 2:20-23 NIV). “…there is none like unto thee…” (Jeremiah 10:6 KJV).

Job humbled himself and turned from his ways. He also prayed for his friends. “…[And]…the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. The LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning…”(Job 42:10, 12 KJV).

Obviously, Satan “…intended to harm…[Job, but]…God intended it for good to accomplish what [was]…done, the saving of many lives…” Genesis 50:20 NIV). By studying the book of Job, our lives are saved from making the same mistake Job did. “…For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning…” (Romans 15:4 KJV).

“Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition…” (1 Corinthians 10:11 KJV).

God said, “…There is no one on earth like [Job]…; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil…” (Job 1:7-12 NIV).

Yet God intervenes in Job’s life through a “season of suffering,” which offers Job an opportunity to GROW spiritually. “…I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You. Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes: (Job 42:1-6 KJV).

Job said, “…I abhor myself… (Job 42:1-6 KJV). He disliked the high-minded attitude he had about his righteousness in comparison to God’s. He hated himself for judging the righteous, heavenly Father’s allowances, ways, and decisions. Job admits, “…Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know…” (Job 42:1-6 KJV).

Job’s “season of suffering” humbled him profoundly and a POWERFUL transformation took place. “…Those who walk in pride … [God] is able to humble” (Daniel 4:37 NIV). “…Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself will be exalted…” (Luke 18:14 ASV). “…Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes…” (Job 42:1-6 KJV).

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up” (James 4:10 KJV).

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time…”(1 Peter 5:6 KJV).

God says to HIS people, “…“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV).

The Word informs God’s people that, “….apart from Me (Jesus, the LIVING Word, they), can do nothing…”(John 15:5 NIV). However, “…[They] can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth [them]…” (Philippians 4:13 KJV). “…for [HIS]… power is made perfect in [their] weakness…” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV).

Job also came to realize and experience God’s sufficiency in his Grace toward him. “…My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness...” (2 Corinthians 12:9 NIV).

Those “in” Christ can, “…delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when [they are]…weak, then [they you]…strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10 NIV).

Humility is a necessary posture when approaching the throne of God and asking for his sovereign HELP. “…If My people which are called by My name shall humble themselves, ....” (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV).  

“...Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of GRACE … and find GRACE to help in time of need…” (Hebrews 4:16 KJV). However, “…God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble…”(James 4:6 NIV).

Humility proceeds prayer, seeking God, and repentance, but self can become a major hindrance to God’s sovereignty. “…If My people which are called by My name shall humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, I will HEAL…” (2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV).

Not only did Job have an improper image of his own righteousness, but he also had an improper image of the righteousness of the sovereign God. Job, however, repented and grew spiritually as a result. “… now my eye sees You...” (Job 42:1-6 KJV). “...O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over the clay...?” (Romans 9:20-21 KJV).

Job’s “season of suffering” gave him a chance to evaluate his heart. Once he was enlightened with God’s revelatory truth, Job transformed into a greater man of God. “...I know that You can do everything, and that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You (Job changed his perspective about God’s sovereignty). You asked, 'Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?' Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know (Job became more humble about God’s wisdom and righteous ways). Listen, please, and let me speak; You said, 'I will question you, and you shall answer Me.' I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You (Job grew in his personal revelation knowledge of God and his DIVINE nature). Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes (Job repented)...” (Job 42:1-6 KJV).

Not only did Job have an improper image of his own righteousness, but he also had an improper image of the righteousness of God. Job, however, repented and grew spiritually as a result. “… now my eye sees You...” (Job 42:1-6 KJV). “...O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed it, Why hast thou made me thus? Hath not the potter power over the clay...?” (Romans 9:20-21 KJV).

Many of God’s people have a tendency to evaluate or compare their righteousness to another human being’s, giving them a reason, they THINK, to boast about their righteous behavior, but NO ONE can boast (not even Job), but God. “...My soul will make its boast in the LORD; The humble will hear it and rejoice” (Psalms 34:2 NASB). “…so that, just as it is written, "LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD..." (1 Corinthians 1:31 NASB).

“…Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought …”(Romans 12:3 KJV). “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up” (James 4:10 KJV). “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time…” (1 Peter 5:6 KJV).

“…Examine yourself, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?” (2 Corinthians 13:5 KJV). 

Eventually, Job’s “season of suffering” made him examine himself, humble himself, submit to God’s sovereignty, and repent.

Defending your righteousness to others may lead to improper justification of yourself instead of God’s righteousness. Therefore, “Humble yourselves … under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time…”(1 Peter 5:6 KJV).

In your “season of suffering” entrust yourself to God and personally give the responsibility of your care over to him, BECAUSE you CAN trust him. “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV).