Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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Job’s Principle 
Philippians 4:10-13
Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity? (Job 2:10)

When my friend's wife accepted a position as Director of Special Education in a school district many miles from thier home, it resulted in a very long commute each day. It was tolerable in the short term, but neither of them could see her doing this indefinitely. So they decided to relocate to another city halfway between their two jobs.
The real estate agent was not optimistic about their home selling quickly. Market trends showed many homes for sale with few buyers. After much prayer and strenuous cleaning, they finally put their home up for sale. To their surprise, their house sold in less than 3 weeks!
Sometimes I feel guilty about receiving material blessings. With so many needs around the world, why should I expect divine intervention in selling a home of my friend? Then I remember Job’s reply to his wife: “Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” (Job 2:10).
This verse is most often applied to accepting disappointment. But the principle also applies to being grateful for blessings. The apostle Paul had learned how to rejoice in plenty and in want (Phil. 4:10-13). God has an interest in teaching us contentment through both gains and losses. Thanking God in all circumstances recognizes His sovereignty and nurtures a response of faith.
PRAYER
We thank You, Lord, for blessings You give us on our way; May we for these be grateful, And praise You every day. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. —Job
Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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