FAITH
Feel Like Job's Twin?
By Stacie Ruth Stoelting
Guest Columnist
CBN.com –
Do you feel like Job’s twin? I relate; I’ve faced repeated sudden deaths, sickness, rejection, and seeing horror I never anticipated. My stories will come in future columns and books. Today, let me share about a woman who recently has felt like Job’s twin.
On a stop-over in Denver, I decided to shop. I entered a toy store to get a gift for my child-like grandma and discovered I needed to give a gift right then. The South Korean store clerk, whom I’ll call Ann, needed help; She needed Jesus.
Tears coated her well-painted face. I put down the singing plush bird and listened to her sad story: Her elderly father remained in South Korea. Her brothers siphoned funds to feed their gambling and drinking appetites. Her mom died. Meanwhile, her 86-year-old dad starves. She felt powerless. She had hit her breaking point.
Feel like you’re at your breaking point? Stressed-out? Scared? Lonely? God hasn’t abandoned you. God said, “I will never abandon you.” God guaranteed it in Romans 11:29: “For God's gifts and His call are irrevocable. [He never withdraws them when once they are given, and He does not change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom He sends His call.]”
Realize God remains true. God never promised a suffering-free life on earth. Instead of hell, Jesus grants us the gift of Heaven, victory in the end, and rewards in Heaven.
Read His Word. It’s when we feel least like reading God’s Word that we need it most. The devil likely already is trying to use his sharpest dart: to make you doubt God’s goodness so that you’ll rely on yourself (pride) instead. In Reclaiming Surrendered Ground, Dr. Jim Logan said it well: “The antidote to pride is recognizing God’s grace.”
Don’t fall for what caused the fall. Eve fell for the devil’s sharpest lie (idolatrous pride) and the fall followed. Pride downs the tallest trees. Don’t fall for pride. The devil lies and tries to make us think God is not good and that we’re better than God. It’s crazy.
Never doubt two things: the devil’s evilness and God’s goodness. Know that “…you can trust God, who will not permit you to be tempted more than you can stand…He will also give you a way to escape so that you will be able to stand it.” Did you catch the “you will be able to stand it” part of the previous verse from I Corinthians 10?
Never believe the lie of defeat. You will make it when you trust your Maker! You (yes, you!) will be able to stand it. Why? It’s because you stand in Jesus’ shoes. You are in Him. (If you don’t know Him yet, meet Him.)
Nothing stuns God. He already knows how He’ll work things out in the end so that you’ll say, “Wow! You made everything turn out perfectly, God!”
Every trial is a temporary, drive-thru disaster. You’re going to emerge more beautiful than ever as you let Jesus steer the way. No matter how bad, you’re going to be able to stand it!
Jesus equips us for earth and rewards us in Heaven. Jesus is our food (Bread), drink (Water), shelter (Home), map (Word), and trail-blazing, empowering partner (Friend). Don’t fall for the devil’s junk food, poisoned drink, exploding shelter, and imitation power.
God’s plan includes more justice, hope, and greater rewards than you or I could ever fathom! Whether here or hereafter, He always keeps His promises and gives us His best.
What you want to believe, you believe. So be careful. Let God’s Hand handle it. Remember, God reigns supreme. No one is stronger than God. He will make things right in the end. Will you let Him hold you and handle your tough time?
Earth serves as a tiny stop-over for the soul. It feels like forever, but it’s shorter than a miniscule moment in the span of eternity. You’ll only win in Him! With Him, you’ll have a happy ending, and that comes with a 100 percent eternal lifetime guarantee. When you know Jesus, you (yes, you!) are a guaranteed winner through Him. Lean on and learn from Jesus and win!
Happy Ending: Jesus showed up in the life of “Ann,” the airport store clerk whom I met on my stop-over. She suddenly received His hope and help in a surprising way. Your tough time might end tomorrow or Jesus might return today! Whether He returns today or another time, He now stretches His loving arms out to you. Will you receive His embrace of grace? Heaven’s around the bend!
 Going through a rough time? Join Stacie Ruth’s prayer group at www.prayingpals.org. After Stacie Ruth met Jesus, her life blossomed with true joy and purpose! Life’s blows hurt her, but Jesus heals and strengthens her. Now an author, actress, and recording artist, she laughs at the irony and praises God, who uses unlikely people...like herself. Discover why she's sung/spoken for the President, been pictured in major media (The New York Timesand USA Today), written a book at age 15, and keynoted conferences since she was a teenager. Today, she offers a new conference for those hurting from job losses, financial troubles, depression, grief, diseases (like Alzheimer’s), and other heartaches through her national conference, The Heart Hospital. Her new album, Heavenly, will release nationally in July. To watch video clips, listen to music, view and download photos for articles, and other features, visit www.brightlightministries.com.
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