Silent Assistance

Have you ever been asked a question that you could not answer?  Has someone shared a situation with you, expecting advice, but you had no insight?  What do you do when you’re faced with this type of situation?

It may be easier to start answering this question with what you shouldn’t do.  Don’t “wing it,” or make up answers.  That’s what Job’s friends Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar did.  They had no idea why Job was facing such a challenging situation, but they gave their opinion anyway.  Bad move.  Notice what God said about their advice, “… you have not spoken accurately about me …” (Job 42:7, NLT).

So, what do you do when you really don’t have an answer for someone?  Keep silent.  That’s what Job’s friends did initially, and they were not reprimanded for that.  I challenge you to silence your opinion, especially if God has not given you an answer.  Instead of talking to them, talk to God.  If you don’t know the answer, you can pray and ask God to give the person revelation.  That’s silent assistance!

Thought to Consider:
When you don’t have an answer, seek the One who does!

Change What You’re Doing

Are you currently experiencing something that makes you angry, depressed, dissatisfied, or frustrated?  If your answer was yes, then I have a follow-up question.  What are you doing to change the situation?  If you’re doing the same things that led to the situation, let me advise you otherwise.  Doing the same things over and over, but expecting different results, is defined as insanity.

Job was in a frustrating situation.  He kept complaining, and the situation didn’t improve.  He kept listening to insensitive “friends,” and the situation didn’t change.  He kept questioning God’s wisdom and sovereignty, and his situation went from bad to worse.

How did things improve for Job?  He changed what he was doing.  Instead of complaining, listening to insensitive friends, and questioning God, he prayed.  He did things God’s way, and look at what happened: the Lord restored his fortunes!

The message is clear – to experience different results, you have to implement different solutions.  Jeff Connors once said, “To achieve something you never have, you must do something you’ve never done.”  Maybe it’s time to change what you’re doing.  Do it God’s way, and you’ll surely get God’s results!

Thought to Consider:
How would God respond to the situation you’re facing?

Yes You Do!

In this verse, Job utters some of the most discouraging words in the Bible.  What caused one of God’s favorites to be so hopeless?

Job experienced a season of continuous tragedies.  In a short span of time, he lost most of his family, the majority of his finances, and apparently, some of his faith.

Perhaps you feel like Job.  Maybe life has been rough for the past several days, weeks, months or years.  In spite of what you’re facing, let me assure you: YOU HAVE SOMETHING TO LIVE FOR!  Some of the most beautiful weather happens immediately following the most torrential storms.  In other words, trouble doesn’t last always.  Better is coming!  You owe it to yourself; press on to see the blessings the clouds of doubt, discouragement, and despair have hid from you.

By the way, Job prospered in the end; God gave Him double for his trouble.  What will your legacy be?  You’ll never know if you quit now.

Thought to Consider:
… So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation (1 Peter 5:10, NLT)