Job 19:13-14

New King James Version

“He has removed my brothers far from me,
And my acquaintances are completely estranged from me.
My relatives have failed,
And my close friends have forgotten me.

For Encouragement

The sun was unbearably hot, and the air was dry. He sat in the shade of a tree, waiting for a local bus to the main bus terminal. Mr. Domar was returning to Accra after his niece’s wedding. Buses seldom come on time in Ghana, but he knew he would not survive the walk to the Bus terminal. Therefore, he sat and waited—one of the best times to reminisce.

Domar was quite an accomplished man from a humble background. He worked through school. He lost his parents at an early age, and though intelligent, he could never attend secondary school.

He got a job as a messenger in a government trading company and worked his way to a managerial position, taking some corresponding courses in accounting along the way. So, life was good.

The extended family became his burden and responsibility. He did everything to educate the young ones for a better future. He assumed prominence and respect in the family, as everyone looked to him for help.

Unfortunately, problems have no respect for a person’s position or responsibilities. They can come in unsuspected ways and destroy every good thing one has built over the years. Mr. Domar fell victim to a well-crafted entrapment at work, leading to his dismissal without benefits. Life became hard. The queue to his house dwindled to zero, and the auctioneer became his best friend. Ask Job, and he will tell the story better.

Praise the Lord Jesus Christ, who never fails the abandoned person with a pure heart. He rescued Domar, and his life rebounded. Somehow, He took the four Domar children through university and into good jobs. Life was getting better, and soon, public transport would be outdated for him again. Or so he thought, for his children would buy him a car soon, as he reflected under the tree. Yes, soon, life will resemble a bit like the time he worked as a manager.

So, what happened when people crowded the little bench on which Mr. Domar sat musing a few minutes ago? Instead of the local bus trip to the central terminal, his stiff body rode a hearse to the mortuary of a nearby hospital. What happened may never become known, but his children will never forget the sad story of a life sacrificed on the extended family altar. No one cared about his tragic situation and death but his children, whom God had settled well before his ultimate trip to glory.

Your story may be that of Mr. Domar. The only difference may be that you are alive. To everyone, you expired a long time ago. Memories of the days they all ate at your table do not evoke any sympathy for you. You have become like Job, and those who come around you are only like his three friends.

However, God has a different story for you. Jesus Christ—cares for you. He has lived your story before (Isaiah 53:3). He feels your pain and rejection and will comfort you (Heb. 4:15-16).

Therefore, turn to Him who understands your struggles and find solace for your soul. You are in excellent hands. 

Pray With Me

We thank you, Lord Jesus, that you have lived through every situation we will ever live through and have overcome them, so you understand our pain and do empathize with us. Strengthen us by your Spirit that we will not lose hope and give in to the expectations of this corrupt world. Help us to deny ourselves in all situations for the glory of your holy and exalted name, amen.