On Loan

Following is a devotional written by Chuck Swindoll. I loved it and am not putting it on here because I am going through any particular trial right now, I happened to find it in my bible from a year ago, one of the many papers that I had saved. My good friend sent this to me at the time when her son was dying of cancer and she had a great perspective (praise God).

On Loan

With Job facedown in worship to God (Job 1:21), the only one cursing is Satan! He hated it! he resented Job's response! Of all things, the man still worships his God-- the One who would allow these catastrophes to happen. There wouldn't be one in millions on this earth who would do so, but Job did exactly that. The wicked spirits sat with their mouths wide open as it were, as they watched a man who responded to all of his adversities with adoration; who concluded all of his woes with worship. No blame. No bitterness. No cursing. No clenched fist raised to the heavens screaming, "How dare you do this to me after I've walked with you all these years!" None of that.

Instead he said, "Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I shall return there. Blessed be the name of the Lord." That says it all. At birth we all arrived naked. At death we will all leave naked, as we're prepared for burial. We have nothing as we are birthed; we have nothing as we depart. So EVERYTHING we have in between is providence for us by the giver of life.

Get that clearly in your mind. Get it, affluent Americans as we are. Get it as you stroll through your house and see all those wonderful belongings. Get it when you open the door and get behind the steering wheel of your car.

Face it squarely. You and I arrived in a tiny, naked body. And what will we have when we depart? A naked body plus a lot of wrinkles. You take nothing because you brought nothing. You own nothing! What a grand revelation! Are you ready to accept it? You don't even own your children. They're God's children. on loan for you to take care of, rear, nurture, love, discipline, encourage, affirm, and then release.

Praise God for "every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of heavenly lights."