How Long?

Job 8:2 ESV

I can remember how many times in my life I’ve said to God, “how long, oh Lord must I wait?”

Each time I was in a waiting trial it felt like an eternity. As I write this I am retired and I am caregiver for my 97 year old mother. My mother once said to me, “the women in my family just can’t die.” I’m not sure she sees that as a blessing. I think it’s a great blessing that she’s lived long enough to be a great great grandma. In addition to longevity, she can solve in physical puzzle she’s given. I’ve never seen her give up and say any puzzle or problem is too hard to solve.

So while she’s saying, “how long?” she just keeps solving puzzles. But here’s the wonder of it all…she doesn’t think any of the puzzle solving is hard. She doesn’t see it as a great blessing because it’s easy for her.

Job’s question from his friend (use the term lightly) Bildad assumes Job is suffering for something he has done.

In Job 8:2 Bildad asked, “How long will you say these things, and the words of your mouth be a great wind?”

Bildad assumes:

-There are generational sins in your family

-you have hidden unconfessed sin

I have to admit there have been a few times in my life when I thought my trial was of my own doing and it didn’t have anything to do with God preparing me for what was ahead.

So, back to my Mother’s how long question…how long must I wait for God to come take me…. I dunno, but I do know that God has a plan.

What I have learned is that her question is a telling thing.

It means she is bored and needs stimulation. Since she is an extreme extrovert, sitting by herself is her worse nightmare.

So, yesterday we went on a short bus trip. We did not go to an exciting place, but we went and we walked and she was happy again.

Since the bus is free (yes free) I now know even though she says she doesn’t want to go she really doesn’t mean that. When she says no it means she’s depressed.

The answer for Job’s how long?

Until God is ready. When God knew Job’s trial had made him into the man God wanted him to be, the trial ended.

That’s how it works with God. God prepares us for what is ahead when we decide put our trust in God that could be near the end of our trial.

God prepared Job and God is preparing us today.

In the interim…I need to go see what the bus is going today.

In God,

Deborah

acrazyjourney.com