First Thoughts

It's a beautiful sunny day. I should be writing a paper but instead I'm setting up this blog. It's the continuation of one I started on MySpace. Due to the bad press it's been getting and the fact that I've been hit on (even though my profile indicates I'm married with kids), I figured it would be a good idea to establish a presence outside of the MySpace meat market.

Job 42:5 means a ton to me. If you're nt familiar with what happens to Job in the Bible, he's a guy who's love for God is tested - tested in a way that would challenge anyone's beliefs. He loses his wealth, business, family, and health. Instead of cursing God, he holds on to his faith, however, at the very end of the book, he decides to question God. God's response is one where He "refocuses" Job's perspective and reminds him who He is questioning. Job's response at the end of this convicts me. He says, "I had heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes."

I've thought through his response a bit and what led to it. I can't say I'd necessarily arrive at the same place. After all his suffering, I'd be inclined to be turned off by God's response. I'd want God to be compassionate, to say , "hey, I understand. I'm sorry I let this happen to you," or "Let me tell you why this had to go down this way." But instead, God responds reminding Job that He is God and Job is not. Job's response is one of thankfulness. He's been able to see God as a result. I think this implies a personal knowledge - he went from knowing about Him to a real, vibrant relationship with Him.

So, if you choose to read this on a regular basis, you'll get a glimpse into my attempts to learn to live a life where I can say the same as Job - God, you are so real to me that I can see You - and be able to say that without being certifiably insane...

Peace,

Rob