Day 27

Job 30-31.  “Trials”

It is supposed to be; “It’s always darkest just before the dawn”, but my aunt, who has been through an amazing number of trials in her life, has said, “It’s always darkest just before it goes totally black.”  Job stated nearly the exact thing, “I waited for the light, but darkness fell” (30:26).
 Job defines trials for us in chapter 30.  A trial is not some mild irritation, but rather an intense painful event.  He defines his trial with words like; anguish, gloom, persecution, humiliation, desolation, affliction, and darkness.
We can float through a mild irritation and come out unproven.  However, nothing tests our faith as effectively or honestly as an intense trial.  A true trial will test our love, faith, obedience, endurance, patience, and much more.  We will come face-to-face with what we really believe about God.  What do we really believe about His purpose and power?  We will see first-hand how we react.  Are we critical and callous?  We will see every aspect of our character become truly tested.
May we use even our trials as a means to glorify God as He shapes our life.

General Questions for each day:
Summarize the day’s Bible passage in your own words.
What thoughts, actions, attitudes or beliefs are addressed in the passage?
How is the Holy Spirit leading you to apply this passage to your life today?