Job 2 - 6.18.25

Scripture

Job 2:11-13

When Job’s three friends, Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite, heard about all the troubles that had come upon him, they set out from their homes and met together by agreement to go and sympathize with him and comfort him. When they saw him from a distance, they could hardly recognize him; they began to weep aloud, and they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads.Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights. No one said a word to him, because they saw how great his suffering was.

Observation

Job was being tested. In Chapter 2, he is afflicted with painful sores all over his body. It was so bad, his wife encouraged him to curse God and die. But when his friends heard about the troubles that had come on him, they came to comfort him. They wept, and prayed, and grieved with him, and supported him in his trials.

Application

As I sit and think of the myriad of ways my church family has loved and supported me over the years, I am overwhelmed. I am exceeding thankful for the sisters and brothers in Christ who have supported me, mentored me, and walked alongside me since I was a teen. There are too many to name, but this is a very small example of ways my church family has been a friend to me:

They spoke truth and wisdom into my life as a teen from an unsaved family.

They gave me rides to and from church activities throughout the week, every week for years.

They paid for me to go to camp and other activities.

They taught me how to follow Jesus.

They expected more from me.

They loved and poured into my children.

When Casey was born and had to stay in the NICU, and I couldn’t drive because of a caesarean, they drove me to and from the hospital every day and watched my three little boys to make visits possible.

When my marriage fell apart, they supported me.

When Casey died, they sat with me, and prayed for me.

Whatever need I have, they rally around me.

They encourage me, love me, and inspire me to grow and be more like Jesus.

Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

Proverbs 27:9 Perfume and incense bring joy to the heart, and the pleasantness of a friend springs from their heartfelt advice.

Prayer

Thank you so much for all the people you have put in my life, people who are filled with Jesus, people who meet needs and embody you. Please help me learn to be a better friend. Help me to listen for your voice and follow through when you speak to me about ways to encourage, pray for, and support others. Help me to love like you do.

- Debbie Dunn