christineyountjones.com

Tough times humble us. They teach us that we’re not the center of the world. That everything doesn’t go our way. That we don’t “win” all the time. But tough times also give us treasured gifts that could never come to us any other way.

The gift of learning to be quiet and listen to God in the midst of suffering that seems like it will never end.

“I am speechless, in awe–words fail me.

I should never have opened my mouth!

I’ve talked way too much.

I’m ready to shut up and listen.”

(Job 40:2)

The gift of learning my place in the universe.

“I am in charge of all this–I run the universe!”

(Job 41)

The gift of learning who God is.

“I’m convinced: You can do anything and everything. 

Nothing can upset your plans!”

(Job 42:1)

The gift of a more intimate relationship with our God who draws near to the broken-hearted.

“I admit I once lived by rumors of you;

now I have it all firsthand–from my own eyes and ears!

I’m sorry–forgive me.

I’ll never do that again.

I’ll never again live on crusts of hearsay,

crumbs of rumor.”

(Job 42:5)

The gift of living life with open hands toward a loving and gracious God.

“If we take happiness from God’s hand,

must we not take sorrow too?”

(Job 1:10)