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Some of us tend to be a little gloomy. We may even imagine "worst-case scenarios" so we are prepared for any dreaded possibility. And sometimes "worst-case" actually does happen. It did for Job. He lost everything: children, possessions, even his health. Besides that, his three friends lectured him endlessly, demanding he confess some hidden sin that had brought on God's anger. Three times they gave him some variation of that lecture. Even God seemed to ignore him. Job said, "Oh, that I knew where I might find him, that I might come to his seat!" (23:3).

Despite his pain, frustration, and confusion, Job was absolutely sure God was still at work—even in him. He believed that when God was finished testing him, he would be as pure as gold. So Job didn't give up in the end, God proved him right. Not sinless, but right.

Maybe it's your natural disposition to be gloomy. But maybe it's because all that's important in life has gone wrong. Even when that happens, you can agree with Job that God is always at work. God will continue his work in you, especially during the painful times, so that when he's finished you'll be "as gold." If you remember that, you may even smile more often. (See also Leviticus 26:1-13; Micah 4:1-5; Nahum 1:2-7, 15; Romans 8:18-30; Ephesians 1:7-23.)

Good Words to Remember:
When he works on the left hand, I cannot behold him; when he turns to the right hand, I cannot see him. But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. Job 23, 9, 10

Today's Challenge:
How do you respond when things go wrong—and stay wrong?

Copyright © 2001 by the author or Christianity Today International/Christian Bible Studies.

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