Faith in the Ashes

When Pain Strikes

Trusting God in Trials

Compassion in the Face of Suffering

Responding to Pain - Compassion, Not Answers

Walking Through Suffering with Others

Responding to Suffering with Compassion

Lessons from Job and His Friends -  Job 1:1–3:26: 

The book of Job opens with a profound exploration of human suffering and divine sovereignty. Job, a man of unparalleled integrity and faith, is plunged into unimaginable trials that strip him of his wealth, health, and children. These opening chapters introduce the central question of the book: How should we respond to suffering? This question not only applies to our own pain but also to the way we approach others in their anguish. As we reflect on Job’s initial responses and the actions of his friends, we learn valuable lessons about faith, honesty, and the power of compassion in times of deep sorrow.

The Integrity of Job

The book begins with a striking description:

“There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job, and that man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil” (Job 1:1).

Job’s life was marked by faithfulness and devotion to God. Charles Spurgeon highlights the significance of this introduction: “Job’s character is an example of grace working gloriously in a man who lives in a fallen world. Let us not envy his wealth but imitate his integrity.”

Despite his faithfulness, Job becomes the target of Satan’s accusation, as the adversary challenges his motives for serving God. What follows is a series of catastrophic losses, yet Job’s initial response is remarkable:

“The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21).

Patrick Miller reminds us: “The book of Job does not give us answers about the why of suffering; it gives us the language of faith to engage with God in the midst of suffering.”

The Mystery of Suffering

Job’s suffering is profound and seemingly inexplicable. He loses his children, his wealth, and his health in quick succession. Yet, even as he sits in ashes, scraping his sores, Job refuses to curse God. Instead, he declares:

“Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” (Job 2:10).

Suffering often confronts us with deep questions about God’s purposes. Michael Card offers an important insight: “Lament is a sacred act of faith. It is the language of a heart that refuses to let go of God, even in the deepest darkness.”

The Role of Friends

When Job’s friends—Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar—hear of his suffering, they come to comfort him. Their initial response is exemplary:

“They sat with him on the ground seven days and seven nights, and no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his suffering was very great” (Job 2:13).

Walter Brueggemann observes: “The silence of Job’s friends is the most eloquent thing they do. They engage in solidarity with his suffering without offering explanations.” However, their silence eventually gives way to judgmental speeches, as they assume Job’s suffering must be the result of sin. 

Richard Trapp warns: “The greatest injury we can do to a sufferer is to imply their suffering is their fault.” George MacDonald adds: “To give explanations in the face of great pain is to diminish the mystery of God and dismiss the humanity of the sufferer.” The failure of Job’s friends reminds us of the importance of compassion. Donald Coggan emphasizes: “The role of a friend in times of suffering is not to explain but to embrace, not to argue but to accompany.”

Job’s Raw Honesty

In chapter 3, Job breaks his silence and pours out his anguish:

“Let the day perish on which I was born” (Job 3:3).

This raw lament shows Job’s humanity and his faith. N.T. Wright reflects: “Job’s complaints are not a rejection of God but an insistence on taking God seriously.”

Timothy Keller writes: “God often uses suffering to strip away false securities, so we cling to Him alone. But He also calls us to weep with those who weep, embodying His love.” Job’s honesty in lament invites us to approach God with our deepest pain, trusting that He hears and understands.

Lessons for Today

Job’s story teaches us two critical lessons. First, in our own suffering, we must trust God’s sovereignty, even when we do not understand His ways. Warren Wiersbe reminds us: “The book of Job assures us that no matter how much we suffer, God is always in control and never abandons His children.”

Second, when walking alongside others in their suffering, our role is to offer presence, empathy, and compassion. As Romans 12:15 exhorts us: “Weep with those who weep.” John Stott, reflecting on the cross, adds: “The cross of Christ is the ultimate answer to suffering, for there God bore it with us and for us.”

Conclusion: Compassion in Suffering

The opening chapters of Job remind us that suffering is an inevitable part of life, but our response to it matters deeply. In our own trials, we can look to Job as an example of faith and honesty before God. In the suffering of others, we are called to respond with compassion, not judgment, remembering the presence of Christ, who bore our pain and walks with us in every trial.

Let us embrace the mystery of suffering with humility, faith, and love, trusting that God’s purposes are good, even when hidden.

A Prayer for Compassion

Heavenly Father,

We stand in awe of Job’s faith and raw honesty. Teach us to trust You, even when we do not understand. Help us to respond to suffering with compassion, as Christ did, and to walk with others in their pain without judgment. May we always remember that You are sovereign, and Your purposes are good, even when they are hidden. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Soli Deo Gloria

Thankfulness in All Circumstances

Reflection on Psalm 9:1-2

I will give Thanks to You, Lord, with all my Heart;

I will tell of all Your Wonderful Deeds.

Psalm 9:1

David’s opening words in Psalm 9 are a call to wholehearted gratitude and joyful worship. The psalm begins with an intentional focus on giving thanks “with all my heart”—a phrase that speaks of undivided devotion and sincerity. David models an attitude of total surrender, where thanksgiving isn’t just an occasional act, but a posture of life.

David resolves to give thanks, not only for God’s past deliverance but also for His ongoing faithfulness. Even though life often brought trials, David’s gratitude was rooted in the character of God, not merely in changing circumstances. This echoes Paul’s exhortation in 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, where believers are called to rejoice and give thanks in all situations. Gratitude, as shown in this psalm, is a spiritual discipline that aligns the heart with God’s goodness, even amid challenges.

Insight from Matthew Henry:

“The more we dwell upon God’s wonderful works, the more our hearts will be drawn out in gratitude and praise. He who recounts God’s mercies will find his soul lifted into joy.”

Telling of God’s Wonderful Deeds

David emphasizes the importance of proclaiming God’s wonderful works. Gratitude leads naturally to testimony. When we reflect on God’s faithfulness, we are compelled to share it with others, turning personal thanksgiving into public witness. This is reminiscent of Psalm 107:2, “Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story,” encouraging believers to declare how God’s hand has worked in their lives.

Rejoicing and Singing Praises

David doesn’t just give thanks; he rejoices and sings praises. This joyful response illustrates the completeness of worship—it engages both the mind and heart. Worship involves remembering God’s deeds and exalting His name. The phrase “Most High” reminds us of God’s sovereign rule over all creation, evoking awe and reverence. Rejoicing in God isn’t mere emotion; it flows from knowing who God is and what He has done.

Application

1. Wholehearted Gratitude: Like David, we can cultivate a heart of gratitude by reflecting on God’s past faithfulness and present grace. Even when life feels uncertain, remembering His wonderful deeds brings hope.

2. Sharing God’s Goodness: Testifying about God’s works glorifies Him and encourages others. Consider ways to share your story of how God has worked in your life.

3. Joyful Worship: Rejoice and sing praises—not just in formal settings but in daily life. Make joy in the Lord a habit, allowing worship to shape your perspective.

Psalm 9:1-2 calls us to live lives marked by wholehearted gratitude, joyful praise, and faithful testimony. Such worship flows from a deep encounter with God’s goodness. In a world filled with uncertainty, we are invited to join David in proclaiming God’s wonderful deeds with gladness and hope, trusting that His reign is sure. In so doing we honor Him and inspire others to trust in the One who is always faithful.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We come before You with grateful hearts, giving thanks for all Your wonderful deeds. You have been our refuge in times of trouble, our strength in moments of weakness, and our joy in seasons of sorrow. Teach us, Lord, to offer You wholehearted praise—not just in moments of triumph but in every circumstance of life. Help us to see Your hand at work around us and give us boldness to tell of Your goodness to others.

May our hearts be filled with gladness as we reflect on Your faithfulness, and may our lips be quick to sing Your praises, O Most High. Shape us into people who live in continual worship, rejoicing in who You are and all that You have done.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Soli Deo Gloria

God’s Great Blessings to Believers

Living Hope, Eternal Inheritance

Faith Refined, Salvation Revealed

Rejoicing in Trials

From Grace to Glory

Peter’s first letter  (1 Peter 1:1-12) begins with an exuberant celebration of God’s mercy and the profound blessings given to His people. These verses provide a rich tapestry of encouragement, weaving together themes of hope, inheritance, faith, and salvation—all grounded in God’s eternal plan and His love for us in Christ.

1. A Living Hope (1 Peter 1:3-5)

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead” (1 Peter 1:3, NIV).

Peter introduces us to the cornerstone of the Christian life: a living hope. This is not a fleeting or uncertain expectation, but a confident, vibrant hope grounded in the resurrection of Christ.

C.S. Lewis captures this beautifully: “Hope is one of the theological virtues. It means…a continual looking forward to the eternal world.” This hope is alive because Jesus is alive.

Matthew Henry reminds us, “The new birth is the first blessing of God’s grace to sinners. With it comes a lively hope that looks beyond this world to the eternal inheritance.” This hope is not passive but dynamic, sustaining us as we await the fullness of our salvation.

2. An Imperishable Inheritance (1 Peter 1:4-5)

“This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Peter 1:4-5, NIV).

Our inheritance in Christ is eternal, untouched by decay or corruption. Unlike the fragile treasures of this world, this inheritance is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading.

Timothy Keller writes, “If you set your hope on anything in this world—career, relationships, possessions—they will eventually fade. But the hope we have in Christ is everlasting and unshakable.”

Eugene Peterson likens this inheritance to a treasure map, leading us through trials and triumphs toward the ultimate prize of eternity with God.

3. Trials That Refine Faith (1 Peter 1:6-7)

“In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith…may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed” (1 Peter 1:6-7, NIV).

Peter acknowledges the reality of suffering but reframes it: trials are not meaningless; they refine our faith, much like fire refines gold.

Charles Spurgeon offers wisdom: “Trials are the winds that root the tree of our faith deeper into Christ.” The challenges we face reveal the authenticity of our trust in God and prepare us for future glory.

Alexander Maclaren adds, “The brightness of the gold is brought out by the flame; so is the beauty of faith perfected in trial.”

4. Joy Unspeakable (1 Peter 1:8-9)

“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy” (1 Peter 1:8, NIV).

This joy is not rooted in circumstances but in the unchanging character of God and the certainty of His promises. It is a foretaste of the eternal joy believers will experience when we see Christ face to face.

Rick Warren calls this “purpose-driven joy,” sustained by the promises of God rather than fleeting emotions.

William Barclay reflects, “The Christian’s joy is independent of circumstances because it is founded on the unchangeable character of God.”

5. Salvation Revealed (1 Peter 1:10-12)

“Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care” (1 Peter 1:10, NIV).

Peter marvels at the mystery of salvation, which was foretold by the prophets and fulfilled in Christ. This salvation, which angels long to understand, is now revealed to us—a profound privilege.

N.T. Wright emphasizes, “The story of salvation is the thread that ties history together, showing God’s faithfulness across the ages.”

Martin Lloyd-Jones reminds us, “We are the most privileged people, living in the age of fulfillment, seeing what the prophets and angels desired to see.” This knowledge calls us to gratitude, purpose, and a life of sharing the gospel with others.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

We praise You for the living hope we have in Christ and the imperishable inheritance You have prepared for us. Strengthen our faith through trials, and fill our hearts with joy that transcends circumstances. May we live as grateful recipients of Your salvation, reflecting Your love and grace to the world. Help us to set our hope fully on You and rejoice in Your eternal promises. 

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

This blog post reminds readers of the profound blessings God has given through Christ: a living hope, an eternal inheritance, and a faith refined by trials. It calls believers to rejoice in these truths and live with gratitude, purpose, and joy.

Soli Deo Gloria

The Journey of Joyful Surrender

Finding Joy in God’s Will

Embracing His Path with a Full Heart

Doing God’s Will from the Heart

Walking God’s Path

A Heart of Joyful Surrender

“[Do] the will of God from the heart.”

— Ephesians 6:6

Pursuing God’s will is sometimes misunderstood as a burdensome duty, yet it is, in truth, an invitation into fullness of life. His will is not a mere checklist of duties but a reflection of His boundless love for us. As William Barclay wisely observed, “The Christian life is not a grim duty but a glad privilege.” To know and do God’s will is to find joy in His presence and to experience the life He intends for us—a life of meaning and peace.

This perspective is beautifully echoed in Psalm 16:11, “You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” God’s will, rather than restricting our joy, invites us into it. The more we align ourselves with His purposes, the more we discover a joy that overflows from His presence. Charles Spurgeon once remarked, “Faith enables us to rejoice even in trials and tribulations,” encouraging us to root our joy in God’s presence rather than our circumstances.

Understanding God’s Will

Scripture invites us to seek God’s will with a heart of understanding: “Do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is” (Ephesians 5:17). Eugene Peterson describes God’s will as “an invitation to life in all its fullness,” a path where grace and purpose intersect, making our lives deeply meaningful. John Stott expands on this, noting that “His will is, in fact, his eternal purpose for us, based on His love and worked out in Christ.”

Matthew Henry adds that doing God’s will “cheerfully, with pleasure and delight,” reflects a heart in harmony with God’s love. God’s will is not about molding us into joyless compliance but leading us toward the abundant life He designed us to live.

Embracing Joy Amidst Difficulty

Habakkuk’s faith stands as a powerful testimony to embracing joy, even in hardship. Faced with scarcity and uncertainty, he declares in Habakkuk 3:17-19:

“Though the fig tree does not bud 

and there are no grapes on the vines,

though the olive crop fails 

and the fields produce no food,

though there are no sheep in the sheepfold 

and no cattle in the stalls,

yet I will rejoice in the LORD, 

I will be joyful in God my Saviour.”

This is faith in action: a commitment to joy independent of circumstances. John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress paints a similar picture in the character of Christian, who endures trials and temptations by keeping his eyes fixed on God’s promises. These journeys of faith reveal that while the path may be difficult, God’s will provides stability and joy.

Cultivating a Heart for God’s Will

Our journey with God requires a heart fully yielded to His will. John Stott once said, “The will of God is a way of life,” reminding us that God’s will is not just about decisions but about who we are becoming in Him. As Charles Spurgeon urged, “If you love the Lord with all your heart, doing His will is your joy.” God’s will becomes not just a path we follow but the refuge where we find our deepest contentment.

Strength in the Journey

When we embrace God’s will from the heart, we find a strength beyond our understanding. Habakkuk’s words, 

“The Sovereign LORD is my strength; 

he makes my feet like the feet of a deer”

 (Habakkuk 3:19), 

Hannah Hurnard, in Hinds’ Feet on High Places, also captures this journey: “Acceptance with joy,” she writes, is a heart that surrenders to God’s will and finds strength in every trial. It’s a call to develop “hinds’ feet,” a resilient, graceful faith that moves upward despite difficulties, confident in God’s love.

Psalm 16:11 reminds us that in the pursuit of God’s will, we discover “fullness of joy” in His presence. He does not promise us an easy path, but He does promise His unending presence, making our feet light even on the steepest climbs. Following His will, as Eugene Peterson described, is “a long obedience in the same direction.” God walks with us, guiding, strengthening, and enabling us to experience the abundant life He promised—rich with purpose, joy, and the peace of knowing we are exactly where He desires us to be.

Prayer:

Lord, 

Thank You for Your unending love and for showing us the path of life. Teach us to do Your will from the heart, finding joy in Your presence even when the way is hard. Strengthen our faith and help us to trust in Your plans, knowing that You walk with us every step of the way. May our lives reflect Your love and bring glory to Your name. 

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Soli Deo Gloria