In the Sandals of Job | Previous Challenge Entry

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TITLE: In the Sandals of Job | Previous Challenge Entry
By Shanta Richard
07/17/14
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Trying to understand the book of Job has always presented a challenge to me. In the NIV Study Bible I came across this sentence:
“Imagine yourself in the sandals of Job, lying prostrate on the ground in agony while the entire world rocks around you. (Introduction to Job).” This thought appealed to me and I proceeded to put myself in Job’s sandals and write his story.

“The sun was just peeping over the eastern horizon. I slipped on my sandals and I decided to walk over to my fields where the oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing and then over to the pastures where the shepherds were watching the sheep. As I walked, I thanked God for all the abundance He had blessed me with. Everything belonged to Him, I was only His steward.

“It was noon when I finished my rounds. It was hot and I rested beneath the spreading branches of a fig tree. My servant brought me lunch. Content and happy I rolled my cloak into a pillow and lay down on the soft cool grass. A gentle breeze lulled me into a sweet sleep.

“I woke up to the sound of wind rushing through the branches above me. Somewhere there must be a tornado. The sun was setting. I sat up and rubbed the sleep out of my eyes. Then I saw a messenger running towards me. In an agitated voice he said that the Sabeans had attacked, killed the servants and taken away the oxen and donkeys. Another man came and said that lightning had struck and killed the shepherds and the sheep. Yet another came with the news that the Chaldeans had taken away all the camels.

“This was incredible. I was too stunned to talk. Then I remembered my children, having a party in their older brother’s house. As if in answer to my thoughts a man arrived, and bursting into tears announced that the tornado had struck destroying the house and all in it.

“I got to my feet, ripped my robe, shaved my head, fell to the ground and worshipped,
‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb
Naked I’ll return to the womb of the earth
God gives, God takes, God’s name be praised.’
Not in all this did I sin – not once did I blame God.
(Job 1:20-22, The Message Bible).

In my agony I rolled on the ground and my skin started itching making me scratch until blood flowed. Had I fallen on a Poison Ivy plant or on a nest of fire ants? It was horrible. All night I suffered and in the morning my whole body was covered with sores. I sat on an ash heap and rubbed the ashes into my sores trying to stop the itching.

“I cried out in my distress - cursing my circumstances – pleading with God- arguing with Him face to face – never once blaming Him- steadfastly refusing to turn away from His presence –calling my life into question and demanding His reasoning.”

{At this juncture I had to stop, because I suddenly realized something inspiring. It was how Job reacted to his predicament. He did not ask for it to end. He only wanted to know the reason. It would appear that he did not mind suffering as long as he gained something out of it – like a closer relationship with God – a better understanding of His nature and His plans. In the darkness of his tragedy he wanted to comprehend the brightness God’s purpose.

How many times have I focused on the hope of the future rainbow and failed to appreciate the lightening streaking through the present dark thunder clouds? There is a hidden blessing within each tear drop – it should not fall in vain without teaching me its purpose. Morning’s sunbeams are followed by evening’s shadows- day and night – everything has a purpose of drawing me closer to my God.
Thank you, Rabi Job for this insight. }

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