Meridian Magazine : : Print

A Glorious, Happy Ending
By Vickey Pahnke-Taylor

Great times! Hard times! Simple procedures. Complex problems. The center of the universe. Isolation and aloneness. Each of us can probably relate to the feelings that come with good times and hard ones; with simplicity and complexity; with the comfort of impression that there are many around us who notice and care, and the suspicion that we are very much alone in our situation. Who knows how often we may make things worse by our negative reaction? How many times have we ‘stirred the pot’ and spilled more bad feelings or scattered assumptions that were wrong?

Sometimes our feelings may be right on target. Other times we may be overreacting, or simply too sad to see things clearly. Because we know it is important to learn and move on, there are a few things to help us continue in our learning curves and in our desire to successfully get through the messy times. The ones I share today come from our reading of the book of Job. His is the story of a good man who never waivers from the path of righteousness.

If someone is going through difficulties of various sorts over the course of life, or a portion of it, he or she may be prone to say he is having a “Job” experience. On many occasions, I have known of friends and acquaintances whose trials seemed to relate, in many ways, to Job’s. As we do our best to faithfully get through those perilous times, we may feel as though we are trying to be like Job, remaining strong in the midst of his trials.

As people trying to endure the earthly heaviness while seeking to enjoy the lift that comes from heavenly blessings, what is it about the Book of Job to which we are so drawn as we feel sad, bad, dejected, miserable, etc? I think we are looking to triumph over our tribulations, like he did. We believe that the gospel is true and that we will be blessed because of our faithfulness.

Although there are many ways this book teaches by example, I will touch on three. Three

Understandings of Job that made a difference:

ONE: His Testmony was sure and secure.

These words are his own: ‘Oh that my words were now written! Oh that they were printed in a book! That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever! For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth; and though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God.” (Job 19:23-26.)

Wow! Despite dark and heavy burdens, he was determined to come out on top. And because he knew the Savior was real and that he would one day see Him in the flesh, Job was faithful.

TWO: His Integrity was intact.

Job was determined. So determined, that regardless of the earthly factors around him, his inner man was secure. “As God liveth, who hath taken away my judgment; and the Almighty who hath vexed my soul; all the while my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils; my lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit. Till I die I will not removed mine integrity from me.” (Job 27:2-6.)

For any of us who have ever whined, bitterly complained, or ‘spoken wickedness’, this is a lesson in humility and faithfulness. Yikes. What an example for us to follow.

Job decided, as should we, that regardless of trial, our integrity will see us through with grace and faithfulness.

THREE: His trust in God was absolute.

Clearly, Job ‘gets it’. He knows the importance of not trusting in the arm of flesh. Here are his words: “Wherefore do I take my flesh in my teeth, and put my life in mine hand? Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him…” (Job 13:13-15.)

Job was convinced that God had his best interests in mind and at heart. Thus, he could trust him completely, and faithfully.

Note that in each example, the word “Faithfully” or “Faithful” is prominent. Because faith is absolutely necessary. It is not expendable. It is the First Principle of the gospel. It is the foundation on which we build everything good and lasting.

As we go through tests and trials, there is a blessing in determining to be unwaivering in our testimony, to secure ourselves to the Savior and to our own integrity, to trust Father completely and utterly.

When the darkness breaks and the sun begins to shine, we will clearly see the imprint of the Father’s loving guidance. We will eventually understand the necessity of going through certain earthly tests. Perhaps if we learn now that by trusting and obeying Him, He will come to know that He can trust us in all things.

With that assurance, we will be more ready to return to the presence of our Father in Heaven. Our story, no matter how closely aligned it may seem in suffering with Job's, may bring us the same glorious happy ending as did his!

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