7 day plan

Embracing Reconciliation

Day 3 of 7

NIV

Job 23:11-12

11My feet have closely followed his steps;

I have kept to his way without turning aside.

12I have not departed from the commands of his lips;

I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.

Reflection: Job went through a process of testing in his life, and he started to complain as the test became unbearable. As Sri Lankans, we too have been going through a very difficult time. People do not have any hope for their future and are even struggling to manage their day to day living.

In the face of immense suffering and confusion, Job cried out to the Highest God. This indicates that there is always a mediator to help us in times of trouble. Jesus is our mediator, and he is encouraging us to be a source of help to others in times of trouble, as mediators.

Due to the economic crisis and inflation in Sri Lanka, many children did not have a proper education and lost their opportunity to learn. So, God called us — the Bible Society of Ceylon — to be mediators to help these unfortunate children. Our experience is that, when we tried to help these children, God was so gracious to us and provided the necessary support we needed, both locally and internationally, to start the literacy project for the non-literate children in Sri Lanka.

The above Bible passage serves as a reminder to us that even in times of difficulty, trusting in God’s wisdom and plan can provide great strength. Job’s assertion that he has not turned aside from God’s way highlights his steadfast obedience. It prompts us to reflect on our own commitment to following God’s path, especially when faced with challenges and tests in our lives.

Prayer:  Dear Lord, we commit to following your path without turning aside in life’s challenging times. Transform us from within, and use the challenges we face to meld us into a vessel that reflects your love and grace. Guide us, sustain us, and let our lives reflect unwavering faith and obedience. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Days

Job 23:1-17

Job

1Then Job replied:

2“Even today my complaint is bitter;

his hand is heavy in spite of my groaning.

3If only I knew where to find him;

if only I could go to his dwelling!

4I would state my case before him

and fill my mouth with arguments.

5I would find out what he would answer me,

and consider what he would say to me.

6Would he vigorously oppose me?

No, he would not press charges against me.

7There the upright can establish their innocence before him,

and there I would be delivered forever from my judge.

8“But if I go to the east, he is not there;

if I go to the west, I do not find him.

9When he is at work in the north, I do not see him;

when he turns to the south, I catch no glimpse of him.

10But he knows the way that I take;

when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold.

11My feet have closely followed his steps;

I have kept to his way without turning aside.

12I have not departed from the commands of his lips;

I have treasured the words of his mouth more than my daily bread.

13“But he stands alone, and who can oppose him?

He does whatever he pleases.

14He carries out his decree against me,

and many such plans he still has in store.

15That is why I am terrified before him;

when I think of all this, I fear him.

16God has made my heart faint;

the Almighty has terrified me.

17Yet I am not silenced by the darkness,

by the thick darkness that covers my face.