A Mighty Wind Swept In

He lost his family, his health and his home. But he didn’t lose his faith.

A Remarkable Story

We all know him. We’ve read his story, a story of heart-ache and heart-break. It wasn’t his fault, he didn’t do anything wrong. Nor were his forefathers guilty of sins that were being punished down the generations.

He was overwhelmed with death. His wife turned against him. His home, possessions, and wealth were destroyed. He was struck with illness, painful and incurable. He had a few friends, but they were untrue.

From Job 1:18-19

“…your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house, it collapsed on them and they are dead…”

From Job 1:20-22

“At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said, ‘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.’” 

“In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.”

A Great Wind

Some have lost their home and possessions.

Some have a damaged home and damaged possessions.

Some may have employment challenges or have lost a business.

And the horrific wind of Harvey isn’t finished. There is more for Houston and the people of Louisiana, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Florida, and maybe others.

Some Good News

In time, Job was restored and blessed beyond imagination. You too will be restored and blessed. You’ve been attacked by the mighty wind and there is heart-ache and heart-break. You will need the patience of Job to get through this. 

Let us resolve to have patience beyond that of Job’s wife.

To Close

The storms are frightening. The lightning and thunder unnerving. The water rises and we  dwell on the worst, it’s hard not to. It isn’t your fault, you’ve done nothing wrong, and you aren’t being punished.

This morning, I want to lift you up to that higher place. That place where faith sustains, strengthens, and assures us.  

Shalom