Job 4:2-6 “’If someone ventures a word with you, will you be impatient? But who can keep from speaking? Think how you have instructed many, how you have strengthened feeble hands. Your words have supported those who stumbled; you have strengthened faltering knees. But now trouble comes to you, and you are discouraged; it strikes you, and you are dismayed. Should not your piety be your confidence and your blameless ways your hope?’”

Job was a man of God with a reputation of wisdom. He was normally willing to share, give, encourage, and assist. In his loss he was discouraged and dismayed and apparently wanted to be left alone. To his friends this seemed inconsistent.

Principle: Faith in God that fades when failure comes is frustrating or fearful to friends.

Don’t look around. Don’t spend too much time on “What if”? Or “If only.”

Don’t look at others. Don’t automatically blame others for the loss. In Job’s case he did not know that it was Satan who was orchestrating this mess that he was in.  It was probably all over before he discovered that.

Look inside. Examine your life but do not keep reexamining for the source of the difficulty. You need to be honest and realistic about your part in the disaster. Respond to God if the loss was self-imposed. Get right with God, get up and get on with your life.

Look up. Look to Jesus. God is the source of strength and help. He is your defender and deliverer, and He will never disappoint.

Your focus in difficult times will determine how you weather the storm and where you go after the storm is over. In the meantime, your friends, advisors and protégés will be encouraged, equipped and may be a help to you until the test is over.

Discussion:

1. Who observes your life in difficult times?

2. What is your greatest temptation in difficult times?  Look up. The Lord will never disappoint.

3. Who do you know is facing a struggle this week? How can you encourage them?