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‘It’s not available resources, but attitude toward God that counts’

We live in a land where there are millions of Bibles and thousands of churches and we have religious freedom to read the BibleS

We live in a land where there are millions of Bibles and thousands of churches and we have religious freedom to read the Bibles and attend the churches.

However, I would like to share about a remarkable man who predates the writing of the Scriptures and the birth of the church. He was a contemporary of Abraham and his name was Job.

Job lost everything. His children died, his servants were killed, his substantial wealth disappeared, his wife left him and his three closest friends provided counsel that was more hurtful than helpful.

In spite of all of this, Job made the amazing and oft quoted comment, “ … The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.” (Job 1:21)

But this isn’t the passage I wish to focus on. Later in Job 19:25–27 we read, “But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last. And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God! I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought!”

Job, without owning a Bible, attending a church, enrolling in a seminary or seeking pastoral guidance was certain of several things. He knew that his “Redeemer”, (one who is able to purchase or buy back) lives. He also ascertained that this Redeemer would one day stand on the earth in the last days.

Job had absolutely no doubts about the future. He knew that the day was coming when he would meet God, and it would be experiential and personal or “for myself” and “with my own eyes.”

He also understood that this would be powerful. He emphatically stated that he was eager and optimistic about meeting his Creator.

There are many people who own Bibles, attend church, and have had pastoral guidance or have even been pastors that do not share the confidence about God that Job had. How can this be? It’s really not very complicated …

You see, the abundance of Bibles, churches and freedom that we enjoy provide a wonderful advantage. Yet it isn’t primarily the resources that are available or the era that we live in that count. It is our attitude toward God and the fervor of our spirits in wanting to know Him that makes the real difference.

Jeremiah the prophet said it this way. “You…will find me, when you shall search for me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:13). Jesus said, in Matthew 7:7, “… Seek and you shall find…” Job sought for, found and followed God.

Are you seeking Him?

Pastor Ross Helgeton is senior pastor at Erskine Evangelical Free Church.

— FAITH & REFLECTION