Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Camping (07/11/05)
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TITLE: Job's Friends | Previous Challenge Entry
By Karen Jimmy
07/16/05 -
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Job’s discomfort was as much from his physical surrounds as from the sneaking suspicion his “friends” were up to something.
“C’mon, Job, you know us. We’re your friends. We only thought you needed some time to get away from it all. You have been through a lot lately.”
“Like I don’t know that….my business is going under, my wife has left me, I find out one of my kids is an addict and then 5 minutes later he’s HIV…and my daughter disappears a week after that. So why did you think bringing me camping on a near-freezing mountain when the snow has barely thawed would do me some good? I’d rather be at home in front of my fire- that is, if it’s still there. My house is still there, right fellas? You didn’t bring me here ‘cause someone burned down my house or something, did you?”
“Aww, Job, what do you take us for? We just thought you could use the fresh air. You know, I know you’ve had a rough time and all but we figured maybe bringing you to this mountain would give you some perspective, help you see how small it all really is anyway. Look at those lights. Your house is only one of those tiny flickering things from up here. That’s probably how we look to God. You can’t expect God to care about the details of our lives, can you?”
“Yeah Job, we’ve heard you, you know- in your office? We’ve heard you crying and stuff- asking God why all this is happening. We figured you needed a reality check so we brought you camping.”
“A-huh. I see…well fellas, I appreciate the sentiment but have any of you even stopped to consider how I might feel? Did you even ask me if I wanted to come out here before you dragged me off in your truck? You asked me what do I take you for? Well I’ll tell you. I take you for a bunch of self-important jerks who don’t care about people, and haven’t got a clue about God either. I know God is big, and I know we are smaller than ants in comparison. But I also believe he cares.”
“What, you honestly think God cares for you after everything that’s happened to you lately? C’mon Job, get a grip. We think God is trying to teach you a lesson- you know, like don’t get all proud about your possessions and stuff.”
“And there you have it boys, the real reason you brought me here. You know I hate camping, you know I feel rotten right now and my life has hit an all-time low, and you- every one of you- have always been jealous of me and my family when things were good. You brought me here to gloat, to pity and belittle me, and lecture me on your own righteousness.God is teaching me a lesson? Is there no end to your arrogance? You guys don’t know what friendship is.”
Just then, as Job folded his arms in contempt, the tent belonging to two of his friends collapsed, for no apparent reason. Suddenly Job brightened a little, and with a sly half-smirk said,
“So boys, God teaching you a lesson now?”
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Very unique, and interesting reading. God bless ya, littlelight
Great message. Awesome story-telling.
Blessings, Lynda