Unlocking My Own Freedom

Job had lost his possessions, family and health. Even Job’s closest friends, who had come to console him, had turned against him. Instead of providing consolation, they speculated about what evil he had committed that led to his desperate condition. When the truth came to light, that Job had done nothing to merit the evil that befell him, there had to be a sense of vindication on his part. But being human, perhaps Job felt a sense of betrayal that his friends did not stand resolutely by his side in believing his innocence.

In the midst of these false accusations, betrayal and alienation, God tells Job’s friends to go to Job so he could pray for them. Job’s prayer is not only for the sake of his friends. The key verse points out, “And the Lord restored Job’s losses when he prayed for his friends.” Job’s restoration came after he prayed for the very friends who falsely accused him. Restoration of friendships was the precursor to restoration of Job’s health, family and wealth.

The most difficult accusations and betrayals in life do not come from strangers or enemies, but from family and friends. The wounds by those closest to us seem to cut deeper, sharper and heal more slowly, simply because they are unexpected, strike at vulnerabilities others cannot touch, and come from those who matter most to us. As a result, we become defensive, callous and isolated. We refuse to reconcile our differences and in the process, we forfeit the opportunity to make ourselves available to the restoration God is ready to offer. Imagine what would have happened to Job’s story had he refused to pray for his friends…