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Topic: Write an INSPIRATIONAL or DEVOTIONAL piece (04/26/07)
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TITLE: "Diamond In The Rough" | Previous Challenge Entry
By Frank Salerni
04/26/07 -
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I often think about the book of Job, and I wonder how I would do in a similar situation.
Job lost everything. Great wealth, family, properties, health, and yet did not curse God. This is one of many points to his story.
I can get mad at God for as little as a bad nights sleep.
My anger is misdirected.
Satan had to present himself to God along with the angels of men, and yet God gave him the right to touch all that Job had. Of course, Job realizes all he had come from God so we quote a famous bible verse.
"Naked I came from my mother's womb,
And naked shall I return there.
The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away;
Blessed be the name of the LORD."
This in itself may not bring much comfort. It may not even console you, if you are currently experiencing a “Job” time in your life knowing the end of his story. God gave Job back more than he lost.
So what? How can I dare suggest it can possibly make up for your loss?
I can’t, and I don’t think God does.
The point in all this is that you have been chosen.
Chosen?
Yes, for greatness.
Matthew 22:14 “For many are called, but few are chosen.”
Chosen for the greater good in your life, and for the growth of other lives who will look upon yours with a held breath of shear wonder. They wait to see how you, you who call yourself a Christian respond to your God now. Now that your faith is on the line, and no longer mere words from a dusty book on there grandma’s shelf.
“Have you considered my servant Job?”
These words from God will not come forth without His grace for endurance.
You may not feel like a Special Forces soldier for Christ at this moment, but you have not been chosen for how you “feel.”
You have been chosen for His ability to know you will bring Him ultimate glory.
You are a chosen vessel of honor.
You may have to come to you senses, but it is the end result in this life-trial, not for the present danger that you will shine like a diamond after the pressure is reduced.
God knows your love for Him, and He knows of Satan’s smoke screen to blur your vision is only temporary.
You have been chosen for greatness in the “Kingdom of God.”
You are a cupbearer for others to drink from like Jesus Himself was on the cross.
Congratulations!
Heb 10:31-39
31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
32 But recall the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great struggle with sufferings:
33 partly while you were made a spectacle both by reproaches and tribulations, and partly while you became companions of those who were so treated;
34 for you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the plundering of your goods, knowing that you have a better and an enduring possession for yourselves in heaven.
35 Therefore do not cast away your confidence, which has great reward.
36 For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God, you may receive the promise:
37 "For yet a little while,
And He who is coming will come and will not tarry.
38 Now the just shall live by faith;
But if anyone draws back,
My soul has no pleasure in him."
39 But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe to the saving of the soul.
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