He knows the way that I take

“But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” - Job 23v10

As Job’s lament and his “friends’” criticism continued he kept looking back and clinging to what we might call “raw faith.” At times he battled with not totally understanding, but still kept his faith in the Lord.

Job rested in the fact that God knew all about what He was going through. He knew that there was a purpose in his trials, and he knew that when the trials were over and God’s work was done he would come through shining like gold purified in a fire.

How easy it is for us to become desperate and despairing when things get tough. We get so focused on how bad it is at the moment that we can forget the eternal value of our trials.

If we could ever learn to just let God mould us and purify us in our trials they would be much more bearable.

Ron Hamilton puts it well in his song “Rejoice in the Lord.”

REJOICE IN THE LORD

God never moves without purpose or plan.
When trying His servant and molding a man.

Give thanks to the LORD, though your testing seems long.
In darkness, He giveth a song.

*Chorus*
O REJOICE IN THE LORD!
He makes no mistake.
He knoweth the end of each path that I take!
For when I am tried and purified,
I shall come forth as gold.

I could not see through the shadows ahead,
So I looked at the cross of my Saviour instead.

I bowed to the will of the Master that day,
Then peace came, and tears fled away!

Now I can see testing comes from above,
God strengthens His children, and purges in love.

My Father knows best, and I trust in His care;
Through purging, more fruit I will bear.

*Chorus*

by Ron Hamilton