A close friend of mine has been dealing with a lot of health issues over the years. Her most recent diagnoses will probably be the most difficult to navigate though. I was heartbroken to find out she has an incurable form of blood cancer. With the proper care, she can still live a long life, but it won’t be easy.

I thought about how I could encourage her while living 1,100 miles away. A delivery of flowers is nice but they only last a little while. I wanted to do something that would be a constant reminder of where her hope comes from, no matter the outcome.

I decided to sit down and hand-embroidered her something special that she would always have. I stitched a beautiful floral design with the verse Job 13:15. At first glance that might seem like an odd verse to encourage someone with; much less something one would want displayed in their home. Hear me out though…

Job made a profound declaration when he said, “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him.” He said this when he was in a terrible time of pain and suffering. He had lost all of his children, his wealth, and his health. His friends were of no help. His wife offered no support and was in fact telling him to give up (Job 2:9). He felt like his life was over and he might as well die.  But, as Job says, even if God did “slay” him, he would still trust in Him.

Essentially, Job realized that the suffering he was enduring was allowed by God. Even if God’s plan resulted in death, he would still trust God. He knew that God is the giver of life and He numbers our days according to His plans and purposes (Psalm 139:13). No matter what you face, if your hope is ground in the goodness and glory of Jesus, nothing should shake you.

Thankfully, your trials on this side of Heaven aren’t permanent. They’re only for a season. (Thank you Jesus, because honestly, this world stinks at times!) Your life here on Earth is a vapor in the grand scope of time (James 4:14). When you trust is in Him, you can have the assurance that one day you will receive the crown of life and spend eternity with Jesus, with no more pain or suffering (James 1:12).  There’s no better reward than that! Can I get an AMEN?!

Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him. Job 13:15

-April Sather, 88.3 WAFJ Morning Show