Devotionals

---

Job 13:15
(excerpt from Morning Meditations by Martin Wiles)
Job 13:15 Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him. (NIV)
It was early morning, and I was taking my usual walk. Behind our house were rolling pasturelands and hilly roads which made for good cardio workouts.
Heavy fog had rolled in during the night and I could barely see. Finally reaching a breaking point, I immediately noticed a precarious situation-a skunk strolling through the pasture in close proximity. I hurriedly crossed to the other side and continued back into the fog. Shortly, the fog lifted again. Another skunk appeared. Again I crossed the road and rushed on. By the time I encountered the third skunk I was ready to return home.
The fog made it difficult to see what could have been a smelly situation and reminded me some days just stink. I imagine Job felt the same. God and Satan were making a wager in heaven while Job was living in the fog of ignorance. Satan was asking God’s permission to test Job’s faithfulness. He felt Job only loved God because He was so good to him. God thought Satan was mistaken. So God allowed the test, and Satan went to work.
Suddenly Job was afflicted by some putrid days. He lost his children, possessions and health. His wife encouraged him to curse God and die. After listening to his fair weather friends insinuate his troubles were self inflicted, Job maintained he would trust God even if He killed him.
Job learned the art of doing what a later writer classified as walking by faith not sight (II Corinthians 5:7). Faith is formed and matured in the fog. Seldom are we given details ahead of time. God’s plan is usually understood only in reverse, and Job’s story reminds us there are unseen and unknown plans we may never be privy too. But God wagers we will come out smelling like a rose, not a skunk. And we will if we trust Him by faith even when experiencing the fogs of doubt, uncertainty, mistrust, fear and anxiety. Our faith can flourish in the fog.
Prayer: Lord, when the fog of the unknown has engulfed me, strengthen my faith so I may see clearly to trust.

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE