Matthew 21:22, “And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”

In the Book of Job, we read where Job lost all of his children in a string of catastrophes. His wealth vanished overnight. He went from despair to despair and his “comforters”- his wife and three closet friends- did nothing but criticize and condemn him. Surely it was all his fault. God was out to get him, right? I don’t think so.

Job’s body was broken-out in sores that wouldn’t heal and all he could do was ache and scratch them, hoping for temporary relief. It was really a few tough months for Job.

We are familiar with the story of Job’s suffering. For 35 chapters we read Job’s prayers and complaints before God, his friend’s reasoning and the theological debate over why he has was suffering and even his wife’s advice to just curse God and die.

Page after page the story goes on, confusion mounts, and things look as if they will never get better-Then God Answers!

How did God answer Job?

He answered Job by “His presence.”

God didn’t explain why. God didn’t apologize for what the devil had done, and he didn’t wave His hand over the situation to put everything back the way it was before. God just came with His majesty and splendor and showed Himself strong.

God let Job know…I am eternal. I am your Covenant Partner, I am awesome. My love does not change. Is there anything I cannot do? Malachi 3:6 reads, “For I am the Lord, I do not change;
Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob.”

Job was speechless.

In the midst of a trial, we struggle to understand. We create explanations for catastrophes, we rationalize events, we doubt God, and we blame ourselves and others. But God’s answer is still the same as it was then, “I, God, am here and in My presence there is fullness of joy.”

Once God answered, Job prayed for his friends and showed them the path to God.

Job’s wealth was restored and even doubled. His family grew again. He had seven more sons and his three new daughters became the most beautiful in the land. In God’s presence was everything Job needed or desired,  and God has not changed for “US” today.

Hebrews 13:3, “Remember the prisoners as if chained with them—those who are mistreated—since you yourselves are in the body also.”

Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”

Till next week God bless-Bishop Wheeler