Whenever God has placed or allowed us in situations, I believe He has done so for specific reasons. As found with Job, there was nothing that satan could do to him that God had not already foreknown. God also knew the heart of His servant Job just as He knows our hearts. I am encouraged to be as faithful as Job in not disappointing God in meeting His expectations for me during times of crisis. I pray that I will make the most of whatever situation one that can be counted for the Kingdom's sake. Prepare me Lord for the moments that lie ahead.

The story of Esther is such a beautiful story of how God uses everything in our lives to glorifying Him. Esther was there at just the perfect time to save her people, the Jews.
The story of Job is just in the early stages. Satan talks with God because he believes that Job would not praise the Lord if the Lord had not prosper Job. The Lord allows Satan to take away all that he had, Job continues to praise the Lord then Satan says that Job will not praise him if he suffers illness. The Lord allows Satan to take his health. This story continues from there!

"Naked I came from my mother's womb,
and naked I will depart.
The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away;
may the name of the LORD be praised."

I just wanted to counterpoint someone else’s journal entry, which I suspect is not a journal entry at all.

Ruth--—“your people will be my people“ and became a descendant of David and Jesus!

Esther--—”If I perish, I perish.” and saved her nation by her courage.

Now Job...

I am finally caught up. I have to confess that I fell behind a little bit, but thanks to the Holy Spirit and the love and encouragement from my family I am back on track. I am truly enjoying exploring the Word of God each and every day. Amen

I feel like all the other students at the end of the school year, I completed my "history lesson" when I finished reading Esther.
Now it is on to Wisdom...Job and David & Solomon's writings.
Oh, Job...I keep trying to read this as classic literature and great verse (well, that's what I've always heard about the book) But I think it can be as dry as High School Literature class on a beautiful spring day.
Plugging along, 12 pages a day, spending time in God's presence...and that's the best part of this whole journey!

Esther's become one of my favorite books, partly because I have had several prophetic words spoken over my life that I am "an Esther". I am happy to be on to the next section of the OT. :o) I am excited to read about Job and his journey of life. Gain some perspective. Job 7:17 "What is man that you make so much of him, that you give him so much attention?" Our God is a big amazing God, yet He does care soooo much for us!