Job 37:1-14 NKJV1 “At this also my heart trembles, and leaps from its place. 2 Hear attentively the thunder of His voice, and the rumbling that comes from His mouth. 3 He sends it forth under the whole heaven, His lightning to the ends of the earth. 4 After it a voice roars; He thunders with His majestic voice, and He does not restrain them when His voice is heard. 5 God thunders marvelously with His voice; He does great things which we cannot comprehend. 6 For He says to the snow, ‘Fall on the earth’; likewise to the gentle rain and the heavy rain of His strength. 7 He seals the hand of every man, that all men may know His work. 8 The beasts go into dens, and remain in their lairs. 9 From the chamber of the south comes the whirlwind, and cold from the scattering winds of the north. 10 By the breath of God ice is given, and the broad waters are frozen. 11 Also with moisture He saturates the thick clouds; He scatters His bright clouds. 12 And they swirl about, being turned by His guidance, that they may do whatever He commands them on the face of the whole earth. 13 He causes it to come, whether for correction, or for His land, or for mercy. 14 “Listen to this, O Job; stand still and consider the wondrous works of God.
The other day, I read a devotional that was based on the above scripture. It was the second time in a couple of weeks that the scripture was put before me, so I gave it much thought. As I thought about it, I felt that God wanted me to share it with you, also. God sends clouds both for punishment or correction and for love and refreshment. This may not always be obvious to us. Two people might be listening to the weather report. The first, a farmer, upon hearing a forecast of steady showers all day, will rejoice for his withering crops. The second, someone who had planned a big outdoor picnic, will likely grumble and complain about the lousy weather. Lately, in an effort to get more exercise and enjoy nature, as well as find something to get out and do instead of sitting at home by myself on weekends, have acquired the habit of riding my bike on various trails every Saturday. When I used to hear forecasts of rain for the weekends, I would have a reaction that it spoiled my plans and I would miss my bike ride. Well, I must say that after getting rained on for the past three weeks straight, I really don't mind what the weather is when I go out for a ride. After all, the rain just cools me off. Now, see? The rain is still there. What could be considered a trial is still there, but the attitude or perception of the trial has changed. Now I see the blessing in it and it is a benefit.
God will send clouds into our lives at times. These clouds could be judgment or correction. Or, they could be mercy. I think, perhaps, that rather than focus on figuring out God's intention, it might be far more important to look at our attitude towards it, particularly our response. Sometimes, people tend to go through life quite comfortable in indifference. In some cases, trials drive people to a greater trust in God. In others, trials drive people away. They will have nothing to do with a God who lets them suffer. During a trial, it seems, that middle ground of indifference is taken away. Let me give you an example.
Yesterday, I was walking through the woods and had stopped for a moment, when I looked over and saw something interesting. There was a dragonfly hanging from a single strand of a spider web, dangling from a tree overhead. There was another strand running horizontally to another tree, so it was held perfectly still. The sun glistened off the iridescent green body, contrasted by the silky black wings. It was beautiful. After taking a bunch of pictures, I noticed that it was alive, as one of the legs moved. I decided to rescue it, but breaking the spider web with a stick. The dragonfly fell and landed in a plant next to me. But, it had some spider web material on the tip of its wing, which promptly stuck to the plant. It was still going to die because it was now hopelessly stuck in a plant. I continued to prod and poke with my stick, trying to break the dragon fly free from that bit of spider web that still held it to the leaves. The dragonfly, none to happy about my poking and prodding, flashed out it's stingers and curled it's tail like a scorpion, attacking the stick. I tried harder to free it and after a couple more jabs, it was fluttering up and away. Now, the treatment that I was giving that dragonfly with my stick could have been seen as a trial or as a blessing. Now, I know that bugs work on instincts and probably don't have any thoughts or emotions, but just stick with me on this illustration (no pun intended, sorry). I came upon that bug in dire straits. Death was pretty much a given. I'm sure the poking and prodding of my stick was by no means fun or enjoyable. It certainly couldn't be seen as a blessing, but what was my intent? I came to get the little guy out of his death-bound situation so that he could have life (another day of flying around eating smaller bugs??).
Now, think about your own life for a minute. There might be some sinful things in your life, or maybe a little hidden black spot in your heart, or whatever. These things need to be repented of. God, in His love and mercy, will not leave you there, but will convict your heart and may send some clouds into your life to draw you deeper into His heart. You may not always immediately see it as a blessing. It may not always be comfortable. You may not always initially see God's intent in the matter. Let's say I see you in a bad place. I take out my stick and am poking and prodding you to get you to safety. Even if you were aware of your deadly situation, you may quickly forget your bigger problem and shift your focus on the seeming “attack” and fight the very thing that is there to help. Let's forget the intent for a moment. What is your response? “Let the clouds of adversity drive you into God's presence. Let them stir a passion in your heart to know Him more deeply and to worship Him more authentically. Do not flee from them. Let them linger long enough to see His mercy fall from heaven in the end.” -Chris Tiegreen
“God tries our faith so that we may try His faithfulness.” -Anonymous
Scripture taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
