file: /pub/resources/text/Our.Daily.Bread: db940119.TXT
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          OUR DAILY BREAD                     Wednesday, January 19, 1994
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          READ:  Job 13:13-28

                                PRESSED CLOSE TO GOD

                        Though He slay, yet will I trust Him.
                                     --Job 13:15

          The  vines that sometimes grow up the side of oak trees cling  to
          them  during the fiercest storms.  Although the wind  beats  upon
          them, the tendrils hold tightly to the tree's bark.  If the  vine
          is  on  the  side  opposite  the  wind,  the  great  oak  is  its
          protection;  if  it's on the exposed side, the wind  presses  the
          vine more closely to it.

          As  Christians,  we are sometimes sheltered by God,  while  other
          times  He  allows  us to be exposed so we will  be  pressed  more
          closely  to  Him.  After years of faithfulness,  some  Christians
          suddenly  find themselves greatly tested and in deep distress  --
          seemingly  without   reason.  They  are  subjected  to   terrific
          battles  with doubts, fears, and unbelief.  Doesn't God care  how
          much  they  suffer?  Of  course He does.  But He  has  a  special
          purpose in withholding immediate relief.

          When God spoke to Satan about Job, He described him as "blameless
          and  upright,"  one who "holds fast to his integrity"  (Job  1:8;
          2:3).  God  knew  He could trust Job to cling to  Him  no  matter
          what.  Job's  persevering  faith  in the  midst  of  overwhelming
          trials  would  refute Satan's argument that he  served  God  only
          because God blessed him.

          The  Lord  may have a similar purpose  in  your  trial.  Remember
          Job's example.  Hold fast to God.

          Author:  Henry G. Bosch

                       Though trials come,though fears assail,
                          Through tests scarce understood,
                     One truth shines clear -- it cannot fail --
                              My God is right and good.
                                       --Hager
          THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
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          Our  afflictions  are  designed not to break us but  to  bend  us
          toward God.

          THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:  Job 11-13

          
          






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