Forecast: Warming Trend

Job 37:9-10 "Out of the south comes the storm, and out of the north, the cold. From the breath of God ice is made, and the expanse of the waters is frozen."

Do you have a friend who always sets you straight? Your go-to person, someone who seeks the Lord first in their life-decision making? Job did. I hope he appreciated this friend, for he gave him a lot of support in a desolate season in his life. Elihu, though young, reminded him of God's sovereignty, righteousness and God's Majesty. Some of Job's close circle of buddies bailed on him and left him with discouraging words, sinking under the ice of despair. But not Elihu. He ministered to Job and counseled him, leaving us with the same reminders in the book of Job of God's magnificence and control of all creation.

Job, I am sure must have been "frozen" in grief over his losses. Yet God knew what He was capable of and saw the beauty beyond the storm. The intricate details of Job's heart and soul, revealing the Glory and majesty of the Lord, eventually shined again on Job's recognizable face. Like a snowflake, Job, a unique and specially designed servant of the Lord, did not understand all that happened  to him. 

Soon, after wrapping himself in the warmth of trust and obedience, God restored everything to His servant Job and he was able to see 4 generations. 

We look to see, that though all seems cold, impassable and unbearable, in God's timing the forecast is always one of hope and restoration. That's so cool!  

Continuing in Job, verses 11-14 remind of of God's sovereignty: "Also with moisture, He loads the thick cloud; He disperses the cloud of His lightning. And it changes direction, turning around by His guidance, that it may do whatever He commands it on the face of the inhabited earth. Whether for correction, or for His world, or for lovingkindness, He causes it to happen." 

Read it again..."Whether for correction, or for His world, or for lovingkindness, He causes it to happen." 

 God has a reason for the black ice in our life. Don't allow the devil to make you slip, fall and bruise up bitterness.  Have on your proper armor, your praying knee pads and your "ice skating partners." Together you can take the steps in a cleared path,  trusting that your Spring awaits you. 

Lord, you've given us in your Word an example of a man who loved you beyond his circumstances. In his humaness, Job's belief and healthy "fear" of the Lord, restored his life even though he suffered a "titanic" loss. He listened to wise counsel, seeking Your wisdom. Sometimes, we may only see what is on the surface, but you Lord are bigger than our storms and wider than our misery. You can melt a heart frozen in grief and despair with your warming promise of Spring redemption. Thank you Lord for giving us wise counselor-friends who wrap us in the warmth of love, easing our chills. In turn, may our warming spirits rekindle Your hope in a world frost-bitten by the enemy. Amen. 

Verse 14: "Listen to this, O Job, Stand and consider the wonders of God."

*(Thanks to Google for the images)*