Journaling Through the Bible: A Fire from Heaven

One of the most difficult books of the Bible for me to read is that of Job. So much of the story saddens me: Job loses his livelihood, his animals are stolen and killed, his servants are killed, his children are crushed, and his good health turns poor. This is heartbreaking, especially since Job has done no wrong.  

An image that struck me from this reading -- of Job losing his property and children -- is that of the fire coming down from heaven and burning up the sheep and servants. I envisioned an upside-down fire coming from the heavens (from the clouds). 

"While he was still speaking, another also came along and said, 'The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants, and consumed them; and I alone escaped to tell you!'" 

Job 1:16 NKJV 

I think the most important lesson I take from the book of Job is that God is bigger than us. He has a plan and while it may not always be clear to us, it does not need to be because we can trust Him. 

I am reminded by one of the Veggie Tales songs that I sing with my children when they are scared, "God is Bigger." 

"God is bigger than the boogie man.
He's bigger than Godzilla
or the monsters on TV.
Oh, God is bigger than the boogie man.
And He's watching out for you and me."
Veggie Tales: "Where's God When I'm S-Scared?" 

It may not seem like God is watching out for us while reading about Job's trials but in the end we see how God loves Job and even Job agrees:

"I know that You can do everything,

And that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You." 

Job 42:2 NKJV 

I joined this week with Journaling Through the Bible at Kids, Crunch, and Christ.