In the last few years, I’ve found myself on a journey that felt indescribable, for the most part. There was abundance of mountain-top experiences and by mountain-top, I mean soul-shattering face-to-face encounters with God’s glory. I have a better understanding of how Moses must have felt when God passed by him. Few things on earth can compare with glory’s kiss on the soul. In addition to these glorious encounters, there were plenty of pit experiences—more than I’d ever experienced before. In truth, it often seemed as though my navigational compass was broken or off kilt. Surely, there had to be a reason for all of these pits.
Remember Job? He was the man who the bible says was upright before the Lord. He was well liked others, he was incredibly blessed and he was kind, thoughtful and an all-around wonderful person. He prayed regularly. He conversed with and exchanged ideas with the God of Wisdom. He was clearly favored by God. In fact, scripture tells us that God bragged about His servant Job—highly esteeming him in the presence of the Adversary. God knew Job and He loved him dearly. How many of us know that when God brags on you, it’s no small matter? When the Almighty God, the Omnipotent One, says to your defeated enemy have you considered my servant (insert your name) this is clearly an indication that life as you know it will change? Your walk, your talk and even how you interact with others will change. Your worship and your prayers will change.
The bible tells us that the Adversary (who’s already defeated) had license to inflict as much chaos and pain that he could muster—and he did. Suddenly, everywhere Job turned a new pit experience greeted him. Pain, suffering, and agony became his constant companions. He was beaten, bruised and bleeding. Although Job felt alone, angry and abandoned, God was still bragging on him! God’s plan was still to prosper Job and give him hope. Regardless of how Job felt, God was still in control causing all things to work together for the good of Job.
In Buddhism, one of the Four Noble Truths state: there is a cause for suffering. In the story of Job, this was absolutely true. Job’s pit experiences and suffering were not designed to crush or discourage him. They were designed to sculpt him in the image of God.
According to Job, surely I spoke of things I did not understand. You spoke of thing too wonderful for me to know. My ears had heard of you before, but now my eyes have seen you. Now I know my redeemer lives.
Job was operating in a limited understanding of God’s character. His lifestyle of faith and worship dwelled on the outskirts of glory. His pit experiences moved him from the outer courts into the Holy of holies. His eyes were finally opened and he could see God clearly. There is a purpose for your suffering.
©2010-2013 Minister Claretta Taylor Pam, Global Ecumenical Ministries Inc. and Universal Life Church Monastery of Massachusetts. All Rights Reserved