Author Darlene J. Conard

Throughout the narrative in the book of Job, I noticed that he frequently voiced his questions and uncertainties, expressing his struggles and seeking understanding. Uncertainty left him standing on the edge. “What has happened?” “Those I once was close to say, “I am guilty of an unforgivable sin?” At that moment in his trial, devastation was much more forceful than his faith. Solutions – none available; God hid Himself, is what he thought. He isn’t at the right, left, behind me, or in front.

Job faced a series of challenging tests that significantly impacted his reactions, causing him to respond in ways that were out of character and surprising to those around him—waiting with perseverance brought out the best in him. He looked all around himself except upward. Job learned to look up when God’s presence wasn’t so close. The inner man became stronger in Job as quickly as he knew God was on His throne, looking, watching, and waiting. 

As I take a moment to reflect on Job’s story, I find a deeper understanding of my own experiences. Throughout my life, there have been numerous instances where I lost myself—immersed in overwhelming pain, wrestling with challenging situations, and overwhelmed by frustration and anger. These emotions have pulled me in different directions, making it difficult to find my true self.

I’ve come to understand that there are times when the presence of God feels less tangible. During these emotional moments, He mirrors the actions of a mother eagle with her eaglets. When the young eagles reach a certain age, she no longer delivers their meals directly. Instead, she gently nudges them out of the safety of the nest, compelling them to spread their wings and take their first flight. It’s a moment of fear and exhilaration as they must summon their courage to soar. Meanwhile, the father eagle vigilantly watches over them, prepared to swoop in and catch them if they struggle on their way down.

When God reaches out to catch us in our moments of uncertainty, we find ourselves on a journey of discovery. God will reveal to us who we really are, but its through Him

“Being (Be) confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:” Philippians 1:6 KJV

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