1 Kings 10:1-29; Jeremiah 18:1-23; Philippians 3:1-4:1
And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends. Job 42:10
If any person had cause to be self-absorbed, it was Job. He was God-fearing and upright, but his piety did not keep him from trial: indeed, it was the reason God selected him. He knew He could trust Job with it. Bereft of family, wealth and health, the dear man’s misery was compounded by his “miserable comforters” (16:2). Of all the lessons Job learned, one of the best came at the end of his trial. He found that by praying for his friends he was released from the bondage of self-pity. Although your suffering might be severe today, there’s a blessing in praying for others. —Phil Coulson
Beyond our utmost wants, His love and power can bless,
To praying souls He always grants, More than they can express. —John Newton