Devotionals by Chris Jordan

“Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and see the end intended by the Lord – that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.” (James 5:11).

When this current fiery trial began in our lives almost five years ago now, the Lord spoke so clearly this encouraging word: “This is not the end of your story.” My faith was further strengthened by the truth of Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose.“

And so, I found comfort in the story of Joseph. Here was a man who was thrown into prison for a crime he didn’t commit, “but God was with Joseph, and delivered him out of all of his troubles, and gave him favour…” (Acts 7:9b-10a). At the end of Joseph’s life, he said to his brothers (who had sold him into slavery in the first place), “But as for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good.” (Genesis 50:20).

Another Bible story that I have gone to for comfort and support in this dark season is the story of Job. Here was a blameless and upright man who feared God and shunned evil. And yet, he experienced unimaginable horrors and suffering. He lost the lives of all ten of his children, he lost all of his wealth, and he lost his health. And then three of Job’s friends – miserable comforters all – came to him and said that the reason Job was suffering must be because of sin in his life. 

In the midst of his suffering, Job had doubts and fears. He battled depression and hopelessness. He said, “Oh, that I might have my request; that God would grant what I hope for, that God would be willing to crush me, to let loose his hand and cut off my life.” (Job 6:8-9). After three months in prison (so far), I can honestly say that I relate to that sentiment! I have felt alone and lonely, isolated, discouraged and hopeless. As I pray for my family every night, tears constantly flood my eyes as I worry about them, feeling helpless and hopeless and unable to protect them from this pain or practically provide for their needs.

But then yesterday afternoon I attended our weekly church service in the chapel. After worship, our chaplain Pastor Dan (I’ve met with him a couple of times and he has been an encouragement and blessing to me) shared a message of hope. As he read the above Scripture in James 5:11, the words came alive in my spirit like none other have before. There is a blessing for those who endure during trials! Speaking about Job’s perseverance, James wrote: “You have… seen the end intended by the Lord-that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.” And what was that end? After Job’s suffering, the Lord blessed him with double what he had before!

And so again I boldly declare that this is not the end of my story, because it’s not good yet. And if it’s not good, then He’s not done!