Conservative columnist Michelle Malkin ran a story on her blog recently, entitled, “Stop Before You Gripe”. It was meant to give perspective to those who tend to ignore their many blessings. And did it ever accomplish just that goal!
Malkin described the story of Army Specialist John Austin Johnson of El Paso, Texas. Themember of Fort Bliss’ 4-1 Cavalry had survived five previous bombing incidents during histour in the Middle East. Then an IED attack landed him in Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio with massive head wounds.
As if this was not bad enough for the husband and father of 3 young children, what occurred later most certainly was. During a trip by Johnson’s wife and children to visit their hero in recovery, there was a terrible accident. All three children were killed, two of them instantly. The nine-year old died weeks later on after being kept alive for a time on life support. And this was all just weeks before Thanksgiving. Fortunately, several generous organizations stepped in to help the family out but the damage was doneand the seemingly unimaginable had become an unthinkable reality.
The book of Job describes the events of a man who suffered the loss of his children, his possessions and his own health. Even his wife was of little value in his time of great need.
But Job’s response was one for the ages and is preserved in God’s Word for those willing to look at his response to what God had allowed. After hearing of the death of his own children in chapter 1, part of this godly man’s response is penned beginning at verse 20.“The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD. In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong. “
After much dialogue, the book ends with Job repenting and better understanding the ways of an all-knowing and all-powerful Creator. Then, too, Job’s former life was eventually restored, becoming even fuller than before. That was a wonderful ending for him in the long ago while still inspiring us in the here and now. But do all difficult, or utterly terrible, experiences work out as did this one? In a word - no! And when that is the case a probing but sobering question quickly surfaces. Then what?
The answer to the ‘then what’ is explained in Paul’s letter to the Philippians, chapter 4. There he describes something seen as utterly foolish to a spiritually blinded world, but also missed by many who do know God and so should know better. Verse 6 starts by addressing how Christians are to react to stress and strain. “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.“
God’s Word promises His supernatural peace even when life dishes out its worst ‘what then’ circumstances. But the passage gives several prerequisites as well. Total trust, serious prayer and heartfelt thanksgiving are keys to possessing what Paul terms a ‘guarded heart’. These same spiritually-based power tools likewise can lead to something even more stunning then that - God’s amazing grace! Grace is much talked about in Christian circles mostly as it relates to salvation. But grace afterwards is also the miracle that many would rather avoid if it means their trials may linger on.
Even more staggering than having a fully guarded heart is that this same miracle-working grace is not only attainable and reliable, but at times is actually preferable. And for those who may struggle with how that can be so, listen to the Lord’s clear but profound words to the suffering Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:9. “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness."
There is no ‘what then’ able to suppress or defeat the perfected strength of Christ displayed in the lives of His people. God’s peace and grace was more than adequate for victory in Job’s day, and the same outcome applies in our day.
Bill Breckenridge
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