As discussed yesterday, the fear of God and determination to shun evil practices stand as one great pillar which bond us together to God’s delightful heart. The fear of the LORD enables people avoid anything God hates. The fear of God is a principal thing as the Bible says and can be the source of giving directions to the mind of what to do to please God. Those who reverence God always listen to His words first, before embarking on doing anything. Job was such a great man in this. The last character of Job to look at in these discussions is his ability to hold on while passing through ugly moments in life. Job was a man of great fortitude. The word “fortitude” simply means strength of mind that stays on while trials last. In Job 1: 20 – 22, is seen how Job, though feeling deeply sad and hurt, turned to God and worshipped Him; not in anger but in reverence. This is fortitude. Many, in the present world never stay on with God the moment things go awry against their goodly expectations.
Job really manifested genuine fortitude in many ways during his period of ordeals in the hands of Satan. When after all the horrible messages of the disasters which fell on Job were exhausted, he opened his mouth to curse the day he was born as contained in Job 1: 1 – 10. Others would have cursed God with unprintable words. With the glaring evidences of torments poured upon Job and the flood of accusations of his friend; he could restrain himself and say: “Though He slays me, yet will I trust Him. Even so, I will defend my own ways before Him. He also shall be my Saviour. For hypocrite could not come before Him” (Job 13: 15 – 16). One astounding statement testifying that Job was a man of great fortitude is his resolution to wait, absolutely in righteousness, till his change will come (Job 14: 14).
A person of fortitude bears pains and hardship, trusting God for when He (God) will bring a good change on his/her ways. This devotional wishes to tell readers that God has never disappoints anyone who trusts and waits on Him (Lam. 3: 25). King David, a man who received threats, attacks and torments in his days noted that because he waited patiently for the LORD, God listened to him and heard his cry (Psa. 40: 1). Your problems may look too bad and acceptably unbearable. Please hold on to God and in fortitude, wait because your change will surely come. Your loved ones might have gone to the great beyond leaving in pains helplessly. Please do not envisage suicide. Wait for your change will soon come. As long as we wait on God with strong mind of faith and hope, He will surely hear our cries, listens to them and change our situations for good.
PRAYER:
LORD JESUS, it was fortitude that kept you through all the orgies of the crucifixion that earned you greatest position in God’s right hand in heaven. Grant me grace and equip me with fortitude to bear trails and temptations of the world. Amen.
bishopubaudenyi@hopealivechurch