Finding Strength In Difficult Times: My Brother Job

Pastor Gary Ritchie of One Way Ministries

Friends, I have been in a whirlwind in the past six weeks. So blessed really, in every way, yet I have found myself breaking almost everything I have touched. Yes, it hits the pocketbook, but more so, it feels as if I am walking around with a curse over my head. I guess because of all the challenges, I found myself studying the life of Job. It only took a chapter and a half to realize that my complaining and grumbling were rather misplaced. I had not lost everything like Job, including family, wealth, health, and social standing. In fact, if I took a couple of minutes and made a list of my problems on the left side of a page, and a list of my blessings on the right side of the page, the blessings would far, far, far outweigh the problems. 

But with that said, I realize that almost everyone can relate to Job. This morning at church, at the end of the message, I invited everyone who felt like Job in some way to come to the front. The outpouring was rather spectacular. Across our 90-foot sanctuary, individuals gathered for anointing and prayer. Many I had never met. It was such a beautiful picture of our shared humanity and the need for a wonderful Savior like Jesus! In truth, we are all broken in some way. I confess I often wear a mask to cover up my mess. For Job, it was obvious for everyone to see. 

In preparing for the message, I concluded the sermon by reading Psalm 40. The scripture reads as follows:

¹I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. ²He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. ³He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.

While preparing for the message, I felt the Lord give me a word to share with the congregation. That word was simple, “Many are stuck in the rut!”. When I shared that word, it clearly resonated with many. Psalm 40 gives us comfort as we relate to Brother Job, that God lifts us out of the mud and mire and sets our feet on a rock, which gives us solid footing.

Maybe you are “stuck in the rut.” Consider Psalm 40 and believe the word of God. When you are moved to faith, even before your problem(s) disappear, begin singing that new song of praise to God. Faith always moves God, and I have found it moves me too!

When I am down and out, if I will just look to God, He brings inspiration and rescues me once again.

May you be blessed this day! Pastor Gary can be reached at pastorgary@onewaydamascus.org or through the web site at www.onewaydamascus.org