My word for May 9th is HOLD!

My word for May 9^th is HOLD

A little boy in Arkansas made the national news this morning.  While he was shopping with his family the little boy decided he wanted a gumball.  He reached his arm deep into the gumball machine, only to realize that he could not remove his arm after he grabbed hold of a gumball.  Firefighters were called to the scene in which they had to dismantle the gumball machine.  As the firefighters took the machine apart and got the little boys arm out they found that he was still holding on to that one gumball that he was determined to get. 

Job was a man that held on to God.  Job endured almost every kind of loss that you can think of.  He lost money, possessions, family, health and friends.  In the midst of all of his losses he held on to his hope in God.  His wife wanted Him to turn on God, but Job told her she was foolish.  He remained faithful to God despite adversity.  Job knew that God loved him through all of his circumstances.  He knew that God would restore Him and God did just that.  God rewarded Job and restored what he had lost.  God actually doubled his losses.  Job lived a long abundant life holding on to God’s word.

God still has a good plan for you no matter what you are dealing with.  When the devil attacks you God is there for you waiting to restore you.  We should learn a valuable lesson from Job.  Stay faithful, forgive others, be patient, trust God, and hold on to your faith.  We must do all of these when we feel that life is spiraling downward, when we don’t understand what is going on, when we feel God isn’t listening.  Hold on during this journey of 2012 whether dealing with heartache and pain or joy and happiness.  God is with you holding on to you during every situation. 

Dear Lord assure us that even during our times of questioning you are working with our best interest in mind.  We understand that we must keep our faith even when we are suffering.  You give us strength to stay strong during adversity that will lead us to our restoration.  You love us in the midst of our suffering.    We will hold on to our faith during this journey of 2012. 

**The book of Job was wonderful and gives you much insight to holding on to your faith through suffering. 

Job speaking to his wife:

Job 2:9-10 (NIV)

9 His wife said to him, “Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!”

10 He replied, “You are talking like a foolish[a] woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?”

In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.

The everyday Life Bible, Joyce Meyer, Fiathwords, First edition October 2006