– Scripture: 

                 After This

Job lived on another 140 years, living to see his children and grandchildren, four generations of them! Then he died an old man a whole life.

                              Job 42:16–17 MSG

– Reflection:

There are forty-two chapters in the book of Job, and all forty-two focus on the difficulties he went through, such as the loss of his business, his children, his health, and the accusations of his friends. It seems like this struggle was his whole life, but “after this,” Job lived over a hundred and forty good years and experienced great joy with his children and grandchildren. God is showing us that the trouble is temporary and that it’s not going to last forever. You may be in a difficult time, but that’s not how your story ends. That loss is not going to define you. That sickness is not going to ruin the rest of your life. That person who walked away, that bad break, or the unfair situation will not stop your purpose.

Where do we go from here?

God has an “after this” for you. After the trouble, you will experience great joy in your life. After the loss, after the sickness, after the legal battle, you’re going to see new friendships, new opportunities, new growth. Your story ends in victory.

Our Prayer for Today

Father, thank You that nothing and no one can upset your plans for my life. Thank You that You have an ‘after this’ for difficult seasons, and my story doesn’t end there. Help me to declare that You live and are on the throne in the tough times. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.