Beyond Despair: The Hope Job Couldn't See
Job 6:11
What is my strength, that I should hope! And what is mine end, that I should prolong my life?
Job, amidst the trial of his life, simply cannot see past the painful circumstances under which he finds himself. Can you relate to his questioning? I believe there are times that we all can relate. First, he looks at his strength, realizes that he has none, and thus sees no reason to hope anymore. O dear reader, how often do we never look past the abilities of our own strength? How often do we with discouraged hearts simply give up when at last we spend all that we have, only to grow worse off instead of better? I would dare say that this is a common mistake amongst fallen man. We, in the weakness of our flesh, seldom look beyond our own strength for hope of a better day.
In fact, we might even go on and ask the second question that Job asked, saying in essence, “What’s the use in going on? What’s the use in living?” Do you see it in the way he asked it? “And what is mine end, that I should prolong my life?” Basically, Job saw no future past his current trouble. He could not imagine it getting any better, nor could he imagine that life would ever give him any reason beyond his current misery for living on.
However, I’m glad that this wasn’t the end of the story for Job, and neither is it the end for us! You see, what Job could not see was that his best days were yet ahead! So, let’s get this straight; it appears that Job is possibly suicidal. I know, I know, the text does not say that he was contemplating taking his own life, but it does teach us that he wished he were dead. In today’s world, the rate of suicide has dramatically increased as people have no present day favorable circumstances, and see no hope of their situation ever changing for the better.
However, I need to say this for the benefit of those reading who might themselves be contemplating suicide; never make a permanent mistake because of temporary blindness. That’s right. You are suffering from temporary blindness. Just because YOU can’t see your way out, does not mean there IS no way out. Furthermore, if you will call upon the name of The Lord, He promises in Jeremiah 33:3 that He WILL answer you, and show you great and mighty things which you don’t even know! Listen, dear friend, call upon Him, then wait for His answer. He WILL respond, and you WILL see a better day!
~ Pastor Gary Caudill
What is my strength, that I should hope! And what is mine end, that I should prolong my life?
Job, amidst the trial of his life, simply cannot see past the painful circumstances under which he finds himself. Can you relate to his questioning? I believe there are times that we all can relate. First, he looks at his strength, realizes that he has none, and thus sees no reason to hope anymore. O dear reader, how often do we never look past the abilities of our own strength? How often do we with discouraged hearts simply give up when at last we spend all that we have, only to grow worse off instead of better? I would dare say that this is a common mistake amongst fallen man. We, in the weakness of our flesh, seldom look beyond our own strength for hope of a better day.
In fact, we might even go on and ask the second question that Job asked, saying in essence, “What’s the use in going on? What’s the use in living?” Do you see it in the way he asked it? “And what is mine end, that I should prolong my life?” Basically, Job saw no future past his current trouble. He could not imagine it getting any better, nor could he imagine that life would ever give him any reason beyond his current misery for living on.
However, I’m glad that this wasn’t the end of the story for Job, and neither is it the end for us! You see, what Job could not see was that his best days were yet ahead! So, let’s get this straight; it appears that Job is possibly suicidal. I know, I know, the text does not say that he was contemplating taking his own life, but it does teach us that he wished he were dead. In today’s world, the rate of suicide has dramatically increased as people have no present day favorable circumstances, and see no hope of their situation ever changing for the better.
However, I need to say this for the benefit of those reading who might themselves be contemplating suicide; never make a permanent mistake because of temporary blindness. That’s right. You are suffering from temporary blindness. Just because YOU can’t see your way out, does not mean there IS no way out. Furthermore, if you will call upon the name of The Lord, He promises in Jeremiah 33:3 that He WILL answer you, and show you great and mighty things which you don’t even know! Listen, dear friend, call upon Him, then wait for His answer. He WILL respond, and you WILL see a better day!
~ Pastor Gary Caudill