Standing our Ground 

God on Monday
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“There was once a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job. That man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil.” Job 1:1 

Reflection

Job stood his ground. He had been blessed with popularity, wealth, health and a large family. He was known for being ‘the greatest man among all the people of the East’ (v. 3). But when all of this was taken away, replaced only by painful sores, he maintained his integrity and faith in God.

What is our response when we face difficulties? Do we listen to external and internal voices that urge us to assign blame? Job’s friends urge him to blame himself. His wife urges him to blame God. But Job is determined to keep his heart pure before God. He defaults to God as if by a habit built through a life-long chain of learning opportunities. 

Every time we choose to do right, and to exercise loyalty and trust towards God, we get an opportunity to build that habit. As we do so, we experience more of God’s blessing, regardless of our circumstances.

Job could stand his ground because of the choices he made. These choices included his use of words: ‘Job did not sin in what he said’ (v. 22).

Our choices matter. They matter to God and to the people we live and work with. As we stand our ground in the small and big decisions, others will see more of God in us, especially when we face hardship and adversity. In today’s culture of success, the way we cope with apparent failure will stand out and bring honour to God.

Response

Take some time to reflect on the situations in your life that unsettle you. How are you responding? Ask God to help you make good decisions and to create good habits.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, help me always to default to you in every situation. Forgive me for the times when I have been too quick to speak, too hasty in my reaction, and too slow to yield to you. Help me to reflect you better in my personal life, in my family life, and in my work live. May you be glorified in me and through me. Amen.

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God on Monday is produced in partnership with the Church of England. The reflections are based on the scriptural readings designated for the next Sunday in the Church's lectionary. You can sign up here to receive each God on Monday instalment.

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