The Blessing of Being Under the Circumstances

by Dennis Michelson
(Novelty, Ohio)

James 5:11 - "Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy."

1. The Paradox of Blessing - "We count them happy which endure."

There is more blessing to be found under the circumstances than on top of them.

2. The Patience of Job - "Ye have heard of the patience of Job"

a. He had family problems

b. He had financial problems

c. He had "friend" problems

Our real problem is not what happens to us but how we view it!

3. The Purpose of God - "And have seen the end of the Lord."

Compare all of this with Job 42.

a. Job saw God for who He is (42:5)

b. Job saw himself for who he was (42:6)

c. Job was blessed beyond expectation (42:12)

4. The Principle for Us - "The Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy."

When under the circumstances it is more important to focus on God changing you and not you (or God) changing the circumstances.