Even In the Worst Case Scenario, God Offers Encouragement
When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. —Job 23:10
The book of Job is a case study in worst possible scenarios. Yet Job wisely assessed God’s role in trying circumstances of loss and poor health: “He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold” (Job 23:10). (ODB)
From this, we learn that God can use our 'worst case scenario' to test our character, but also that God uses this test to make us stronger. We can trust that He will encourage and strengthen us.
Worst Case Scenario: Failure
16 The people of Joseph replied, "The hill country is not enough for us, and all the Canaanites who live in the plain have iron chariots, both those in Beth Shan and its settlements and those in the Valley of Jezreel."
17 But Joshua said to the house of Joseph—to Ephraim and Manasseh-"You are numerous and very powerful. You will have not only one allotment 18 but the forested hill country as well. Clear it, and its farthest limits will be yours; though the Canaanites have iron chariots and though they are strong, you can drive them out." -Joshua 17:16-17
The house of Joseph wants more land. Many complaints are unfounded, but in this instance they may have a point- they are quite 'numerous,' to use the Biblical term. But they are afraid of what Joshua recommends... what about those Canaanites with iron chariots? Yikes! (Today we might say, what about the crime report?) Well, Joshua says, don't be afraid. You're numerous, you're powerful. God will protect you.
Now, I don't think this is an excuse to be completely unaware of your surroundings and take wild risks putting yourself into harms way. However, I do believe that God will protect us when He truly ordains something. He will strengthen us and make us come out as gold, or just as the house of Joshua. Like, for instance, when I was in Brazil. My father was quite shocked when he came to visit me and saw my surroundings, when I explained to him that the fireworks meant that the drugs had just arrived. But God protected me the whole time.
Worst Case Scenario: Unknown
8And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ[a] the Lord. 12This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger."
13Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
14"Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests."
15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let's go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." -Luke 2:8-15
The shepherds saw an angel, and they were 'terrified.' Honestly, wouldn't we all be rather terrified? Anything unexpected, uncertain or unknown terrifies us. But the angel provides comfort with reassurance (Do not be afraid) and positive affirmations (good new, great joy). If we listen carefully, I think the Lord is providing that for us now in times of uncertainty. And for me right now, there is great uncertainty- next year looks very fuzzy to say the least- no clear home, no clear job. What's going to happen? I need to listen to the "Do not be afraid" and the "good news" and "great joy."
We're all afraid of something... some deep down dread, some 'worst case scenario.' Is it losing your job? Failure? Uncertainty? Whatever it is, remember that although it may not be easy (see Job), God will strengthen us... and we'll come out like gold, that beautiful and enduring material!
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