Rick McPherson April Newsletter, 2024
All of us have known some great people in our lives. They’re honest. They’re
faithful. They’re solid. Perhaps they were neighbors, or co-workers, class-mates
or team-mates; just plain good folks. And, then out of nowhere, trouble strikes
and they get fired or get sick or go broke. Why? Why do bad things happen to
good people?
Well, let me tell you a story about a man who lived a long time ago, in a land, far,
far away. His name was Job and was described as; “blameless and upright, and
one who feared God and shunned evil.” He had seven sons and three daughters
and in addition to vast agricultural holdings and livestock was; “the greatest of all
the people of the East.” (Job 1:1-3) Substantial, don’t you think?
However, tough times came and Job lost everything. His health was gone. His
children were killed. His wife told him to; “Curse God and die!” His three best
friends came to comfort him but when they saw him they didn’t recognize him,
they wept, they tore their clothes, they sprinkled dust on his head…then they sat
on the ground for seven days and nights and didn’t say a word to him. Tough
times, indeed!
But there was something in Job that kept him. His faith! He said; “Naked I came
from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave and the
Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” “In all this Job did not sin
nor charge God with wrong.” (Job 1:21-22)
The rest of the story tells of Job and his friends’ discussions, who were intent on
discrediting God for His dealings with Job. At the end they take animals to
sacrifice and ask Job to pray for them, which he does. And, guess what happens?
“The Lord restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends. Indeed the Lord
gave Job twice as much as he had before…they ate food with him…they consoled
him and comforted him…each one gave him a piece of silver and each a ring of
gold. Now the Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning.” (Job
42:10-17)
This is a comeback story. Job is the comeback kid! Job is restored. Remarkably,
Job has a double blessing of possessions, livestock and even ten more children. In
fact, his daughters were described as; “the most beautiful in all the land.” What a
tremendous account of God dealing generously and bountifully. The restoration
exceeded the original and extended to his children and grandchildren for four
generations. Wow, what a comeback!
For me it underlines the purposes of our Heavenly Father for each of us. He not
only wants to restore us to His original design, He wants to make us better.
I return to the Apostle Paul’s directive: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a
new creation; old things have passed away; behold all things have become new.”
(II Corinthians 5:17)
Whatever your circumstances are today, remember, God loves you, accepts you
and forgives you. His provisions for you are greater than you will ever know. As it
is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of
man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
(I Corinthians 2:9)
*****
Special Note:
For the past ten years, our computer printer has served us faithfully. But, it has
bit the dust! We have been scrambling and have purchased a refurbished unit.
Because of this technical issue we are behind in sending our monthly receipt
letters. Thank you for your patience and we apologize for any inconvenience.
Again, thanks for praying for us and supporting this ministry. God bless you!