Then when Job prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his wealth and happiness. In fact, the Lord gave him twice as much as before. Job 42:10
I find it intriguing that God turned Job’s fortunes around when Job prayed for his “friends.” For the past forty or so chapters, these so-called friends have been badmouthing him, telling him what a scumbag he is, what a worthless excuse he is for a human being. Talk about being kicked when you’re already down. They not only kick him, they get in the SUV and back over him a couple times.
Why is it we can be so brutal when it comes to letting others know their faults and failures? I’m speaking of people we love. Our spouse. Our children. It’s so easy to hurl insults at each other not realizing that each time we do, we erode the foundation of our relationship. Each stinging critique chips away at the mortar that holds the structure together.
The message I am getting today is to pray for those who despitefully use you, as Jesus once said. I’ve done that in the past, but only halfheartedly. I cannot say I have prayed sincerely for those who have hurt me. Why? Because I really don’t want God to bless them. They don’t deserve it.
But Job prayed for his friends and when he did, God restored his wealth and happiness. It makes no mention of whether God blessed the friends, but He definitely blessed Job.
Hmmm?
