How Bad Does Bad Have To Get

1-32pm

I am reading the book of Job. As I read his heart-wrenching dialogue, I get thinking about his unbelievably bad circumstances and I find myself asking the question more than once, “How bad does bad have to get before you give up? Before you can say you are abandoned by God?”

All ten of Job’s children dead. All his livestock gone. His own body ravaged by sores and boils….unspeakable pain…. in a dark abyss of depression. No hope. Or did he have? Somehow, in the depths of his misery, deep down in the core of his heart, somehow Job, through what I believe to be the power of the Holy Spirit, still knew God had not abandoned him – God still had a plan.

Job 16:19 “Even now my witness is in heaven; my advocate is on high.”

Between rants at God and at his friends, Job knew. He knew he was not abandoned. He did not understand why this had happened, but he did know that God is Supreme. God is his Advocate. God will step in. God will act. Good will eventually come.  Job did not know this for sure, but he seemed to cling to the hope that he had in God, knowing the nature of God, understanding the power of God. And we need to do the same. “Cling” is a great word to use. Cling to God. Hang in there. When difficulties and troubles assail you, Cling. When you can’t go a day longer, Cling.  When it has all become too much, Cling. Be completely dependent on God. He will help you.

Psalm 63:8 My soul clings to God. His right hand upholds me.

Job’s traumas  were extreme. Yours may be less, but the intensity with which you feel them may feel the same. Cling. God will come through for you. He will help you and hold you up!

With Julian down for the weekend, we went on a lovely Silvermine Mountain walk…this is the reservoir..

We walked to the top look out post where the forester’s room once was…the foundations are still there… this is the view of Noordhoek Beach…

This is the descent…

…stopping to click this view of Chapman’s Peak through the rocks…

…and back to the reservoir…

Then today, we went through to spend some time with Granny. Being a beautiful day, we loaded her up in a good wheelchair and rolled her round the corner to the Government Company Gardens. The daffodils are looking amazing…she enjoyed them…

Then we had tea and I got her a scone, of which she ate half. It was good that we were able to get her out. It was a sacrifice…I missed Adrian and Stacey’s first church service back home in a year, but that’s okay. We got Granny out in the sunshine. There will be plenty more church services.

Tomorrow Share-a-thon (CCFm’s biggest fund raising event of the year) kicks off at 7am! This year, I am not co-ordinating it, so only need be involved during Rise and Shine hours. It’s going to be a busy week! 🙂

God bless you loads!

In His Grip,

Helga xx 🙂