“What strength do I have…?” Job 6:11a
/In yet, another attempt to convey the burden of his suffering, Job posed four questions for his friends to consider:
“What strength do I have that I should still hope?” Job could not feign manly might for overcoming the trauma he had experienced, losing his business, assets, and his children (v.11; 1:13-19).
“What prospects that I should be patient?” Job was asking how a lifetime of work and family growth could possibly be restored in the remainder of his life (v.12)?
“Do I have the strength of stone? Is my flesh bronze?” These are asking the same question, and it was Job’s way of saying he was not superhuman nor an inhuman idol that has no feelings (v.13). His grief was a direct reflection of how much he cared for his business, those under his employ who lost their lives, his employee’s families, and especially his children and their families.
“Do I have any power to help myself, now that success has been driven from me?” Only those who have lost their position and influence can understand Job’s frustration in trying to make sense of the calamities that occurred, as well as discerning any possible way back to a productive life (v.14).
God’s Word empowers those who walk by faith to come beside those who are hopeless, having given up on living. As the only Jesus some will ever see, each Believer must make the effort to develop empathetic skills for others and make a difference in their lives. Where one’s life has exhausted all known avenues of assistance, the child of God may be the last chance for one who has given up on any possible change for the future.
There are times Believers must lend their strength to one who is depleted of it – conveying the power of God that comes in weakness (read 2 Corinthians 12:9-11). Pointing a heart to the grace of God through Christ will begin a life in understanding God’s grace is sufficient at all times.
If you ever hear the question, what strength do I have? Offer to be the strength for one who has none: to the one whose spouse has abandoned the marriage; to the one who lost on the stock market; to those who feel trapped in a life of abuse; to the one given the news of a fatal disease; to the one who is found to be caught in compulsive behaviors or addiction; to the father or mother who was ‘let go’ by a company downsizing to compete in today’s market; to those who amble through the streets with no friends or family; and to those who feel helpless in navigating the appropriate channels for citizenship. Be the strong arm and advocate for those less fortunate than yourself.
It isn’t easy… and it’s never convenient… but to that person, you will offer restoration, redemption, significance, and purpose. Yes, you will be the only Jesus one may ever see.
Have a blessed day…