Job 36.15 
“He delivers the afflicted in their affliction, and opens their ear in time of oppression.” NASU
“But by means of their suffering, he rescues those who suffer. For he gets their attention through adversity.” NLT
In the wonderful comedy “Night at the Museum” starring Ben Stiller as night security guard Larry Daley, the relics and wax figures come alive each night after museum closing hours. To save the museum and its living artifacts from annihilation, Larry must confront his own sense of inadequacy. He seeks salvation from Teddy Roosevelt, played by Robin Williams, who responds, “Some are born great, others have greatness thrust upon them.” Larry complains he does not have what it takes but Teddy insists that he does… “I’m made of wax, Larry. What are you made of?”
Like Larry Daley, I face difficulties I did not seek. Opportunities for “greatness” are “thrust upon” me when I least want them. I can run from afflictions or embrace them. I may think I’m made of wax, afraid of melting under the heat lamp of trouble. I probably won’t melt but I certainly will discover the truth about myself. Personal adversity will answer the all-important question for me: “What am I made of?”
There’s not much difference between wax and flesh. Both are soft. Both can be burned and destroyed. Neither will last forever. In truth, I have every reason to be afraid. Just like the psalmist and even Jesus, I am human with a heart like wax…
“I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint.
My heart has turned to wax; it has melted away within me.”
Psalm 22.14 NIV
“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”
Acts 4.12
“God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which
Philippians 2.9-11
I need Jesus. Apparently suffering reminds me of that. It seems to make me more attune to His voice. Jesus opens my “ear in time of oppression”. He gets my “attention through adversity” and reminds me of my dependence upon Him. The next time I “have greatness thrust upon” me, I will try to remember ‘what I am made of’. I am made of the essence of Christ who “lives in me” (Galatians 2.20) and through whom “I can do all things” (Philippians 4.13), “overwhelmingly conquer” all adversity (Romans 8.37), and “crush Satan” under my feet (Romans 16.20).
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UncleChri
Carbon Footprint
SPIRIT-TU-ALL
Janice Wood
Sheba Marx
Suresh Emre
Salon.com
Comments
So when you say this--"He gets my 'attention through adversity' and reminds me of my dependence upon Him"--I really have to consider that, as it was prayer that brought me out of that very dark hole.
You always draw such wonderful parallels between Bible stories and modern culture. And perhaps needless to say, your knowledge of Bible verse is just amazing.