1. In ch.38-41 God asked Job a series of questions that he could not answer. 2. In his response (42:1-2) Job stated that he knew God can do everything. 3. While we basically agree with Job's statement, we understand that there is something God cannot do. a. We learn from Titus 1:2 that God "cannot lie." b. Also, Hebrews 6:18 says: "it was impossible for God to lie." 4. According to the Scriptures, "there is something God will not do." 5. The Bible states many times that "God will not forsake His people." a. Deuteronomy 31:6, 8 b. 1 Samuel 12:22 c. 1 Kings 6:13 d. Hebrews 13:5-6 6. Over the past 40 years I have tried to emphasize this principle, and we are emphasizing it today. 7. Even though we are assured that God will not forsake His people, . . . Discussion: I. SOME GREAT PEOPLE HAVE STRUGGLED WITH THIS ISSUE
A. Elijah struggled with it. 1. (1 Kings 18) Elijah won a great victory on behalf of the Lord. 2. (1 Kings 19:2) Jezebel threatened to take Elijah's life. 3. (1 Kings 19:3-4) Elijah fled into the wilderness and wanted to die. 4. From God's conversation with Elijah, it seems that Elijah thought that God had forsaken him (1 Kings 19:9-10). 5. Elijah was shown in 1 Kings 19:18 that God had not forsaken him or Israel. 6. Elijah survived this time of difficulty, he continued serving God faithfully, and he was eventually taken up into heaven by a whirlwind. B. Job struggled with this issue. 1. (Job 1-2) Job is introduced as a righteous man, but he suffered greatly. 2. Immediately after Satan afflicted him, Job did not curse God. 3. However, he eventually began to express how he felt (Job 3:1-6, 25). 4. It seems from these words that Job thought God had forsaken him. 5. Job never found out why he suffered as he did, but he eventually realized that God had not forsaken him (Job. 42:1-3, 12). C. Naomi struggled with this issue. 1. She and her family were among God's chosen people (Ruth 1:1-2). 2. Naomi lost her husband and 2 sons (Ruth 1:3-5). 3. Notice what Naomi said when she returned to her home (Ruth 1:19-21). 4. Naomi eventually began to see how God was blessing her (Ruth 2:20). 5. A special genealogy is listed in Ruth 4:13-22. D. David struggled with this issue. 1. See Psalm 22:1-2 2. This was written by the same man who wrote Psalm 21:1-2; Psalm 23:1. 3. Keep in mind that David spent a lot of time avoiding Saul because Saul wanted to take his life (1 Samuel). 4. David had a change of mind (see Psalm 22:3-5, 11, 19, 24). II. APPLICATION
A. The Bible emphasizes the fact that God does not forsake His people. B. However, circumstances may arise that can cause us to wonder if He has. C. At times like this, what can we do? 1. We learn from Elijah that we must listen to God. 2. We learn from Job that sometimes we just have to hang on, even though we may not understand why a certain crisis has come upon us. 3. We learn from Naomi that we must continue believing in God and appreciate His providential care. 4. We learn from David to reflect upon God's goodness that He has demonstrated in the past (Psalm 37:25). Conclusion:
1. God does not forsake His people, and He does not want His people to forsake Him. 2. A good prayer to offer during a time of crisis is found in Psalm 38:21-22. 3. This request will help us to avoid wondering if God has forsaken us. 4. Let us always remember and appreciate the message that Moses gave to the Israelites (Deuteronomy 31:6).
