On Wednesday evenings in the adult class we have been studying the book of Job. It has been an excellent study and I really appreciate the effort Mike has put into leading it, as well as the many good comments and discussions from others. The story of Job is a sobering one to me and I am most certain that the Lord included it for our benefit. As we have studied this book, a thought constantly lingers in my mind. It's a strange thought really because I can't make up my mind.

I want to be Job! Then when I think about it some more I really don't! Have you ever been in a similar situation where you wanted something but at the same time you don't?

It's like going to a car dealership just to browse around and there it is, that brand new pickup truck you always wanted. Oh sure I want that truck but do I want the payment and the cost that come with it. It's like getting a new job offer and it's the job you always wanted and worked so hard for. Then you realize you will have to move your family and take them from the home they love. You also realize that your moving from a place with a good sound faithful Church, to a place where perhaps there isn't one. Is it worth it? How about this one, how many people decided that they wanted to go to Heaven only to change their minds after realizing the cost.

So, getting back to Job. God say's to Satan that Job is a blameless and upright man. God even say's there is no other like him on the earth. I read this and I want to be Job, because He speaks of him proudly and considers him worthy for these trials. Then after more thought I don't want to be Job because of the cost. I said earlier that this study has been a sobering one. I have realized I couldn't pass these trials, nor Abraham's or even those that Moses faced. It has indeed been a very sobering theme for me throughout this study, and a humbling one at that!

At the outset, it is said of Job that in all this he did not sin, nor charge God with wrong. Once again I want to be this man!!! He is remarkable to me that he could display such strength and faith. Oh I realize that Job's faith did eventually crumble. He did eventually bring words against God. No, he wasn't perfect but he was certainly very righteous. When confronted by God, he did humble himself and repent. What a remarkable and encouraging story. How could one read it and not wonder. Does God look at me as righteous? Does He consider me worthy of trials? James writes that we should count it all joy when we have trials because it is a test of our faith in the Lord. As I stated before, I want to be Job and I would sure love to meet him!! We can all have that chance if we stay strong and love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul and mind to the end

Eric