Look at your trials as opportunity for growth!

“Then I said, “I shall die in my nest, And multiply my days as the sand. My root is spread out to the waters, And the dew lies all night on my branch. My glory is fresh within me, And my bow is renewed in my hand.” Job 29:18-20 NKJV
 
Job expresses his discontent as he looks back to the days of prosperity. He is exaggerating his position and standing. Job is a rock star in the theater of his mind.
 
Job said, “I shall die in my nest.” That is like saying, “I will die in comfort and ease.” Did he really believe his end would be that peaceful and comfortable? I think he did. Job was the richest man in his corner of the world. 
 
Job also said, “And multiply my days as the sand.” Did Job really believe he could increase the length of his life? It seems unlikely but he did speak the words, why? People with resources tend to live longer than people who do not have them.
 
A young man died of cancer without knowing he had it. He did not have medical insurance. He went to a hospital for help. They patched him up and sent him home. Sometimes poor people die from lack of medical attention. 
 
Job said, “My root is spread out to the waters, And the dew lies all night on my branch.” He is speaking about the resources so readily available and how he took them for granted. He is also looking back on a life undisturbed, at rest and at ease.
 
Job says, “My glory is fresh within me, And my bow is renewed within my hand.” Job is glorifying his status and honor among his people before his trial. When he looks back to the good old days he sees himself as young and powerful.
 
Job was a very wealthy man of high standing among his people. His words clearly show he struggled with pride, arrogance and a haughty attitude.
 
Sin is not a respecter of persons. Anyone can give in to temptation at any time. Some of us have a particular sin we struggle with. How about you? Is there one particular sin you struggle with?
 
God did not leave Job to himself. He worked to change Job in the areas where he needed it the most. God allowed him to be afflicted for a reason. His suffering was not in vain. God blessed Job more at the end of his life than He did at the beginning of it.
 
Jesus will not leave you to yourself. He will work on the areas of your life that need the most work. If you need to be refined in the cauldron of adversity it will not be in vain.
 
Look at your trials as opportunity for growth. Trust Jesus to use the cauldron of adversity to boil away your imperfections!
 
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