The Latter Part ...

Devotional by Cheryl Hall

Have you noticed that our timeframe so often differs from God’s timeframe? We feel as though we must accomplish all the milestones of life young in order to feel satisfied. But Scripture shows us, time and time again, that God often saves the most important part of our lives till the end. This was true for Noah, Moses, Abraham, Job, Simeon, Anna, Paul, John, etc., and it can be true for us, too.

Job was a prosperous man with a large family. He had no idea that Satan had targeted him with the goal to have him renounce his faith in God. The trials hit hard! His health was attacked. His friends accused him of hidden sin in his life, and his wife urged to him “curse God and die” but, “In all these trials Job did not sin by blaming God.” - (Job 1:22)

His trials purified his devotion to God. He was forced to struggle with the questions, “Is God really good? Is He truly loving? Can I trust Him?” All these same questions we wrestle with today when our trials hurt so bad. But God gave him strength to endure, and grace to grow in the midst of it all. Glimpses of heaven were gifted to him by God... "I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end He will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God. I will see Him with my own eyes-not another’s. Oh how my heart yearns within me!” - (Job 19:25-27)

Could it be that the fruit of intense trials brings about a maturity and wisdom that comes no other way? We know it’s true, and It’s not a quick process. These gems of the soul take many years to form. No wonder the latter years hold so much value! “The Lord blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the former part.” - (Job 42:12)

For the one that seeks maturity in their Christian walk, blessings await! The peace of God will guard our hearts and minds, just as the angels with the fiery swords guarded the entry to the Garden of Eden. We will lie down and sleep with perfect peace because we’ve made the Lord our Resting Place.

Dear ones, may the Lord bless the latter years of your life. This world needs your unwavering faith and testimony more than ever before! And may the sweet knowledge that the best is yet to come keep a sparkle in your eye and a continual smile on your face. It’s one of the most beautiful truths we have!