When I used to teach at a Bible college in a large city, I sometimes
graded papers at a food court while waiting for a commuter train. One day, I
accidentally bumped my large cup of coffee. Its entire contents emptied into my
open briefcase.
In most cities, there is a quiet reserve on the part of commuters.
However, the coffee splash was so dramatic that it could not be ignored. A man
sitting nearby said aloud, “Worst possible scenario!”
That comment was obviously an overstatement. But each of us dreads the
thought of something in particular: financial loss, the death of a child or
spouse, cancer, or another loss or hardship.
The book of Job is a case study in worst possible scenarios. Yet Job
wisely assessed God’s role in trying circumstances of loss and poor health: “He
knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold” (Job 23:10).
From this wise statement we can learn two valuable lessons: One is that what we
dread most can be used to test our character and make us stronger. The other is
that God will provide the strength and comfort to see us through.
Cling to God. He has promised to work on our behalf, even in the worst
possible scenario.
God can take the fear out of living. (RBC)
