- And when they saw him from a distance, they did not recognize him. And they raised their voices and wept, and they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads toward heaven. Job 2:12 – Our hardships can change us. It can change our ways of thinking, our level of faith, and even change our physical appearance like we see within our passage. Another thing our hardships can have an effect on is our compassion for others. The way we speak and love others in the midst of our struggle is so important to our witness. Jesus, while being crucified, decided to show compassion on even the ones nailing Him to the cross. As it was with Jesus, we must decide to continue with compassion and love when hardships arise. Let people continue to recognize us as followers of Jesus by our love even in the midst of struggles. If we stop loving due to our struggles then we lose the very thing Jesus said the world would identify us as His followers by. Be sure then to find yourself in God’s Word to encourage you in this and find yourself in the middle of a supportive church family to help as well. We love better when we have love pouring into us first. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 1454
- And 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 – Job had almost everything from him taken away. His animals were stolen, his children killed, and his body was afflicted with horrible sores all over. The amount of agony he was in physically and emotionally would have been so great. For us today when we come alongside someone who has experience something horrible in life, especially if it just took place, it can be confusing to us on what is the right thing to say and do. We want to help, but we aren’t certain what will help. Know I’ve navigated those feelings often, especially this past year. I got the honor to walk with some families this past year through heavy situations I’ve never before walked through, and I too was often in that spot of wanting to help but knew nothing I could say would really help. In those times, take note of Job’s friend’s action. They just sat with Job. They didn’t even say a word for a whole week! Sometimes the best help we can offer someone who is hurting is to just sit with them and to close our mouth. Words can come later, sharing scripture with them can come later, but in the heavy hurt they just need to know you are there in the heavy with them. Absolutely, you can be praying for them in silence as you sit with them, but allow your presence to remind them that they are not alone. That they have you who loves them and that they have Jesus who loves them right along with them in this hurt. Sit, be still, pray, and when ready, listen first to what they have to say. I love you, but Jesus loves you more – Mac – Daily DEVO 2627
Daily DEVO 