Job continues patiently teaching his friends what it means to remain steadfast and submitted to God, even in the worst of circumstances.
” ‘As God lives, who has taken away my right, and the Almighty, who has made my soul bitter, as long as my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils, my lips will not speak falsehood, and my tongue will not utter deceit. Far be it from me to say that you are right; till I die I will not put away my integrity from me. I hold fast my righteousness and will not let it go; my heart does not reproach me for any of my days.’ ” (v2-6)
Job says that even though God has allowed him to suffer greatly, he will maintain his integrity – remaining honest, obedient to God, and confident in God’s promises.
This is a powerful testimony. I have heard others’ testimonies as well, how they encountered God or held fast to God in times of great trial, and how their faith was strengthened. Then, by sharing their testimony, God is able to speak into the hearts of those who hear it, and strengthen their faith as well. Not everyone needs to personally suffer to gain deeper faith.
This is a common theme in scripture as well – one or a few would suffer, and their testimony would inspire thousands (or millions). We still read the accounts of Job, Joseph, the disciples, Paul, and others, and grow in our faith because of how God walked with them in their suffering. How much more will we grow when we hear of a friend, neighbor, or family member who partners with God through the worst of times?
Bearing testimony (or witnessing) is critical to sharing the gospel message. “And [Jesus] did not permit him [to follow Him] but said to him, ‘Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.’ ” (Mk 5:19) “And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.” (1 Jn 5:11) “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect,” (1 Pt 3:15)
It is important for us to hear others’ testimonies and grow deeper in faith from it, and we are also called to be witnesses and share our own testimonies so we too may allow the Spirit to strengthen others. A testimony is what I call a “personal gospel” – the good news of how knowing God / Jesus has transformed my life. Skeptics can easily dismiss the Bible and its validity, but what is far harder to dismiss, is how we have been personally impacted and changed by our relationships with Jesus. I encourage us to share our personal gospel messages with those who are willing to listen – so we may all be encouraged and strengthened in the faith, and God may be glorified.
Father God, our Great and Matchless King, all honor, glory and praise be to You, for You alone are worthy of praise. Father thank you for the gift of Your word, which gives us a strong foundation of our faith, through many accounts of Your steadfast provision in the worst of circumstances. Thank you for the gift of the church, for those who are willing to share their personal accounts of Your work in their lives. Thank you in advance for the gift of boldness, so that we too may share our personal gospels with those who You bring across our paths. May all of these accounts of Your faithfulness strengthen Your people, and give glory to You, our Awesome and Mighty Lord, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training