Using our experiences as testimony to Him

Job 22: 23 - 27, 29 (I left out some phrases to show the parts that blessed me)
"If thou return to the Almighty, thou shalt be built up... Then shalt thou lay up gold as dust, and the gold of Ophir as the stones of the brooks. Yea, the Almighty shall be thy defence, and thou shalt have plenty of silver. For then shalt thou have thy delight in the Almighty, and shalt lift up thy face unto God. Thou shalt make thy prayer unto him, and he shall hear thee... When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, There is lifting up; and he shall save the humble person."

I love the comfort, the reassuring truth here!

Eliphaz (Job's friend) is telling Job that if he just will return to God (he mistakenly thinks that Job is being punished for straying from God), then this will be his testimony. While he is wrong about Job, he is right about what happens when you whole heartedly and humbly repent and turn to God.

1) You will be built up. v. 23
2) You will prosper. v. 24,25
3) God will be your defense. v. 25
4) You will have your delight in God. v. 26
5) He will hear your prayers. v. 27
6) You will be a testimony to His saving grace!! v. 29

My favorite part is #6, v. 29: "When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, 'There is lifting up; and he shall save the humble person.' " Isn't it so true? No matter what we go through, we may be an encouragement to others who will travel down the same path, whether that path be one of repentance or one of trials. We are able to not only feel their pain and know how to better pray for them, but we can also be a testimony to His grace, His forgiveness, His patience, His love, His provision, His leading, and His answers!!

Father, thank You so much for how you turn every single thing in our lives to Your ultimate glory!