Job (1)...

Whilst talking with a friend the other day we both came to the rather sorry conclusion that whilst back in our hometown our relationships with God become a little more static. We have so much time on our hands and yet instead of using it to pray or read the Bible etc we spend it aimlessly watching films or sleeping! I realised that I hadn't read my Bible in quite a while and therefore set about changing that unfortunate fact.

Since the Mobilise conference I've been thinking about reading Job, now I wondered about whether reading something perhaps a little easier; something less challenging, something that I knew really well and could easily get through within a few days. Admittedly it was a stupid attitude to have and I started Job despite my initial reservations and I am so glad I did...I haven't been able to put it down! It's an amazing book and I wish I had shown more enthusiasm for it!

I find it incredible how Job handles his loss and pain but also how He speaks to God. He doesn't hold back. He is not shy or reserved before His God and thinking about it why should he be? After all God knows His thoughts and feelings, so why should he suppress them and pretend? God is our Father, our comforter, maker and friend so why hold back when all He wants is to be involved in every aspect of our lives and have a deep relationship with us. Job is admittedly foolish in some of the things that he accuses God of, but it is undoubtedly immensely accurate to the human emotion. He expresses questions and anger at God that we all at some point have done. What makes it more interesting is that His friends try to talk sense into him but he refuses to listen and continues his ranting towards God, desperately waiting for an answer.

I'm up to chapter 26 and God still hasn't answered and Job is still moaning. It's amazing reading how such a Godly man is struggling to accept all that has come his way and how he openly argues with God. It makes me realise how silly we are to argue with God but also how it is our human nature to question God. It is simply amazing that God doesn't just destroy us when we complain, but He takes it on and listens and listens and listens. There will be more on Job as I read on!