Daily Devotional

My ears had heard of you
but now my eyes have seen you.
Job 42:5

If it were today, Job's story would probably be reported in every newspaper, newscast and social network you know. "A man loses all 10 of his children, his property, his assets and falls ill all at once...". We really can't imagine the pain in that heart.

If we look at the whole book, we find a long dialog between Job and his friends and, at the end, between Job and God. Job's words don't always sound reassuring. Much more so after being accused (by his own friends) of having done wrong, to receive such a tragedy. Job didn't understand the reason for his pain. But God did not condemn his anger or his questions. Unlike us, God speaks and lets us speak...

He doesn't resent our words, but helps us to know him better. In this verse we see that Job was able to get to know God more intimately after what he had been through. God reminded him that his ways are not always understandable to men. He doesn't always give us a full explanation as to why bad things happen to good people. All you need to remember is that He is the all-powerful Creator, sustainer of everything and everyone. Trust in the Lord!

• Pray and ask the Lord for help so that you can get to know Him better through adversity.
• Allow God to speak to you through His Word - read more, study, reflect and practice!
• Want to trust God, even if you don't understand everything He does.
• Be honest with God, pray, cry out and deepen your relationship with Him.

Pray:

Lord God, I entrust all my pain and difficulties to you. May I not try to understand everything that happens to me, but may I quieten my heart and trust in you. I pray life's experiences, whether good or bad, all lead me closer to you. Help me to know you more, not just by hearing about you, but by walking with you. In Jesus' name, amen!

It's truly liberating when we learn to say no to temptation. Jesus issued an important warning to His disciples: watch and pray! Being watchful means not losing focus. It involves careful observation, staying alert, and exercising caution against all surrounding dangers. Prayer acts as a weapon to both attack and defend against this constant threat. When we pray continually, we stay connected to God, receiving from Him the strength to overcome the evil one and our own sinful desires.

Always monitor and examine your heart. Know your weaknesses and seek strength in God. It's not worth putting yourself in situations where you know you'll likely stumble. Samson tested these limits, yielded to desires, and adopted a reprehensible lifestyle. Unfortunately, he paid dearly for it, becoming a slave to his enemies. Indeed, Jesus can set you free! Obey His teachings to steer clear of temptation.

Learn to resist!

• Watch over your life! Observe if there are any doors (or loopholes) through which temptation enters. Close them right away!
• Pray without ceasing! A life of constant prayer is the key to resisting and rejecting evil desires and sins.
• Cut off bad habits! You know which areas you're most vulnerable and weak in. Flee from sin!
• Seek guidance and wisdom from God. Consider taking decisive actions such as rejecting corruption, addressing imbalances, curbing excesses, forsaking dishonest gains, ending harmful relationships, blocking access to pornographic sites, distancing yourself from friends who promote reprehensible behavior, and breaking free from vices.
• Talk to someone mature in faith (a pastor or mentor) about your difficulties and struggles in this area. Ask for prayer support.
• Follow James 4:7's recommendation: obey and submit to God. Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you.

Let's Pray: