Recently, I’ve been thinking about what it means to live a life worthy of the Lord’s calling. It’s easy to believe that my work or circumstances define me; when, in fact, I know in my heart that true salvation comes by grace through faith and not by works (Ephesians 2:8-9). 

It’s important to be good stewards of the things God has given us here on this earth, but if we don’t simply surrender our hearts to the Lord’s, everything is vanity. 

I look around me and see so many women who embody Proverbs 31. 

They are clothed in strength and grace, and laugh about the days to come. They seek the Lord and choose Him as their Lord and Savior. They daily wake up and surrender their lives to the Lord of Lords.

I want that kind of faith.

As I reflected on what made these women in my life so admirable, I realize one thing they all share in common is that they look to the Lord for wisdom. They lay down their lives for the Lord’s will. All throughout Scripture we see people who also daily walked with the Lord.

Job was a man who daily walked with the Lord, although he faced countless trials. Job is introduced in the Bible as “a  man in the land of Uz whose name was Job, and that man was blameless and upright, one who feared God and turned away from evil.” 

Just a few sentences later, we read that Satan tested Job, and God allowed this. So many times in my life I questioned my circumstances. I questioned my fears. I questioned my doubts. You too might be asking, ‘Why is God allowing this?’ 

But as I kept reading in Job,  I was left in awe of his obedience. 

Job didn’t understand what God was doing in his time… but he still chose to trust.

While Job was with his family, a messenger came to bring bad news of Satan’s destruction to Job’s property and family. Four times the messenger tells Job, “And I alone have escaped to tell you,” 

After the third time, a “great wind came across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young people, and they are dead, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” (Job 1) 

Honestly, I cannot tell you how I would react. My reaction would probably begin with rage, anger, and despair, I’m sure.
But God. 

Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshipped. 

“And he said ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall return. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”-Job 1:21 ESV 

It’s not sinful to be angry. Your feelings are not sinful. Your emotions are not wrong. Job clearly felt anger and sadness, as he even tore his robe in rage. He reacted to his circumstances, for everything in possession was ripped from his hands.

But Job worshipped. It amazes me that Job didn’t sit down and cry. He didn’t dwell on his current pain. No. Instead he fell on the ground and worshipped. He surrenders. 

My circumstances don’t define me, my God does

There are so many lessons I am learning from Job and his faithfulness to the Lord. But in my personal journey of healing and battling mental health obstacles, I know that the Lord is faithful. I know that emotions and feelings are not the end of the journey. 

Our God defines us. No matter where you are in your journey of life, you are seen, you are strong, and you are an overcomer. You too, can fall to your knees in worship. You can choose to hear God’s tender whisper, asking you to come to Him, and open your hands in surrender. You can choose to walk this road alone, but friend, it’s a lonely road with your emotions. 

What are you holding back? The same God who used Job and worked through him is working through you and is calling you to know Him. 

If you’re open to His invitation, I invite you to sit on the ground, close your eyes, and open your hands. Allow God to use you, wherever you are in your journey, and surrender to the Lord. He will bless you. He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Dear Lord,

Help me to put my faith in you. You are my hope and firm foundation. You never let me down. Lord, I lay down my circumstances and the weight I’ve been trying to carry on my own. I pray, Lord, that you use my circumstances for your glory. Thank you for the promise that You alone define me, and you call me loved, chosen, and beloved.

Amen.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Emma Lown is a Marketing Coordinator and freelance content writer for nonprofit organizations. She is passionate about shining through hope in Jesus, sharing His love, and giving a voice to the voiceless. She has traveled globally to capture stories through photography and writing with Unto, Jesus Film Mission Trips, and The Tide ministry. She has been published in Conscious Magazine, Tirzah Magazine, and the Focus. Read Emma’s blog here: And Emma