Making the Right Diagnosis

Job 6:14 “One should be kind to a fainting friend, but you accuse me without any fear of the Almighty.”

 

These are some powerful words by Job to his friend Eliphaz. Job wants him to understand that although he was well-intentioned in what he was trying to say, his analysis of Job’s problem was absolutely wrong! In other words, to misdiagnose is to mis prescribe!

 

Job explains to him why his suffering was so deep, and he agreed that although his words were rash, they never cursed God. This was just the expression of the excessive heaviness of his grief. He also wanted his friend to know that this calamity in his life was not due to some sin. Not even the sin of concealing the words of the Holy One! That all their insinuations are without substance, and the best they can do is suggest that his ‘attitude’ was all wrong.  

 

Sometimes, the best medicine that we can offer someone who is going through a struggle in their life, is simple just to be quiet, listen, and give comfort. This is why prayer and meditation to the Lord is crucial. 

May we learn to be sensitive to God, and instead of giving a quick answer to a friend in need, may we first learn the importance of just listening, and bringing comfort in order to make the right diagnosis to the situation. 

 

Prayer: "Dear Lord, as we continue these days in our fasting, will you please lead us into all truth. Help us to discern what you are doing today and in the lives of others. May we learn the importance of listening first to you before we say a word to anyone and may the words that we do share breath life unto others and become a fragrance in your presence. Amen!”