My life is not a play I direct. The Lord is the Writer, Producer, Lead Actor, and Director of my life. I can resist, or play along. Like Job, I prefer the positive scripts, but I gradually learned to accept adversity during hard times, but it was and is a process.
Previously, we discussed how Job weathered the storm after losing ten children and all of his possessions in one day. Then in scene 2, the devil is back and demanding escalation (Job 2). He scoffs at God, pointing out pain is easier to watch than feel. “Skin for skin! Yes, all that a man has he will give for his life. However, put forth Your hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh; he will curse You to Your face” (Job 2:10). So God granted permission to Satan to afflict Job with painful boils (Job 2:7).
This affliction may have been skin cancer, as the same Hebrew word for boils is used of “tumors” in Deuteronomy 28 and 1 Samuel 6. God again limited the trial. He told Satan not to kill Job, though Job wished later He hadn’t. Enter Job’s wife who was thinking the same way. “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die!” (Job 2:9). It turns out watching severe pain can be really hard too. My heart goes out to the caretakers, like my wife, Terri! Thanks to all!
Keep in mind, Job’s wife lost all ten children and her possessions too! And Job tells her she is not responding as her usual wise self. “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?” (Job 2:10). Acceptance is indeed a major struggle for many who are “volunteered” to fight or watch sickness and cancer. It was for me.
During my cancer battle beginning in 2002, the valet at the chemo center definitely got me – a little too well. He would go off on how I had better things to do. At age 44 and Pastor of a small church, the whole cancer thing seemed to be a royal waste of time to me. As I plunged deeper into self-pity and discontent, I realized my perspective must change. I realized I didn’t need to surrender to the cancer, but to God that He wanted me to fight cancer.
He spoke to my spirit that I was smack dab in the center of His will. He reminded me of Romans 8:28, “God causes all things to work for the good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Accepting adversity is sweet relief, and paradoxically, it helped me fight the cancer much better – together – with Him!
More here on the how to find the ultimate prosperity in heaven.
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