I am grateful for apps on your phone that allow you to not only read Scripture but also to hear it spoken out loud. Recently while listening to the Book of Job, a verse captured my attention. After walking with Job through traumatic loss, Eliphaz offers an extraordinary gift of affirmation. “You yourself have done this plenty of times, spoken words that clarify, encouraged those who were about to quit. Your words have put stumbling people on their feet, put fresh hope in people about to collapse” (Job 4:3-4 MSG).

My mind began to race as I paused the app and replayed those verses. “Wait… what? How have I missed that for all these years?" Honestly, I have always filed the counsel of Job's friends under "less-than-helpful advice." And yet, buried in the midst of all of this drama is this gem that, I believe, challenges us to live further into Paul's exhortation, "Therefore encourage and comfort one another and build up one another, just as you are doing" (I Thessalonians 5:11 AMP). 

Pondering the vivid imagery of Eliphaz's words, I couldn’t help but think of the many people in my life who have “spoken words that clarify,” who exhorted me when I was “about to quit,” who put me on my feet when I was stumbling, and who infused me with “fresh hope” when I was “about to collapse.” And as Eliphaz reminded Job, indeed, I am aware that God has given these gifts “plenty of times” through amazing women and men who have exemplified Jesus to me along my faith journey.

You can imagine, then, how blown away I was when, out of the blue, a co-worker asked me if I had ever written anything on encouraging pastoral leaders. Pausing for a moment, the Lord reminded me of this poem I wrote to a dear couple through whom God has profoundly impacted my life.

In you, I have seen a living portrayal of men and women throughout the Scriptures who, by their obedience,

have made a profound impact on those around them… including me.

There have been times you've been like Moses, when God's countenance has shone on your face,

And times you've been like David, boldly proclaiming God's praises in this place.

There have been times you've been like Daniel, when you've recognized the writing on the wall,

And times when you've been like Elijah, living a life in surrender to the Lord’s beck and call.

There have been times you've been like Job, not cursing the God who’s called you higher,

And times you've been like Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, unashamedly rejoicing in the Refiner's fire.

There have been times you've been like Jeremiah, when you have lamented with Godly grief,

And times you've been like Elisha, ministering with double portion, unwavering in belief.

There have been times you've been like Ezekiel, when you've been the watchman in the tower,

And times you've been like Josiah, laboring wholeheartedly to see our righteousness flower.

There have been times you've been like Ezra, declaring the Truth of God's law,

And times you've been like Nehemiah, tirelessly repairing foundations to stand without flaw.

But most importantly, you've been like Jesus, a man of the Spirit, a man of the Word,

Ministering with passion, teaching us God's armor to Gird.

You've been like Jesus, touching wounded hearts, listening with an ear to hear,

Ministering with God's love and compassion, teaching us to walk without fear.

In you, we see God in His glory, revealed in a heart that's pure and true,

And we rejoice in the God, who rejoices over you.

There have been times you've been like Esther, when we've seen you for Christ's sake, take a stand,

And times you've been like Sarah, laughing with joy at the works of God's hand.

There have been times you've been like Abigail, when we've seen you discern what is best and right,

And times you've been like Deborah, praising the God who operates with all power and might.

There are times you've been like Ruth, when we've seen in you, God's passion for His own,

And times you've been like Lydia, sharing the warm hospitality of your home.

There are times you've been like Martha, full of loving concern for what we’d eat,

And times you've been like Mary, finding strength at Jesus' feet.

There are times you've been like Elizabeth, when you've rejoiced with those who rejoice,

And times you've been like Priscilla, teaching with wisdom as God spoke using your voice.

There are times you've been like Dorcas, with hands laboring in countless ways,

And times you've been like the widow, offering to God a sacrifice of praise.

But most importantly, you've been like Jesus, knowing the depth of what we're feeling,

Seeing those around as Jesus sees, speaking words of peace and healing.

You've been like Jesus, walking with discernment, ministering in truth and grace,

Listening with love and compassion, with the zeal of God's heart reflected in your face.

In you, we see God in His glory, revealed in a heart that's pure and true,

And we rejoice in the God, who rejoices over you.

As you have read these words, I trust that there are people whom the Lord has brought to mind who have encouraged you, "plenty of times." Perhaps this is your opportunity to become an "Eliphaz" in their life by sharing these words with them! You see, sometimes even encouragers need to be encouraged. So "...let your words become beautiful gifts that encourage others; do this by speaking words of grace to help them" (Ephesians 4:29 TPT). 

May it be said of each of us... “You yourself have done this plenty of times, spoken words that clarify, encouraged those who were about to quit. Your words have put stumbling people on their feet, put fresh hope in people about to collapse” (Job 4:3-4 MSG). Your Job may be just around the corner.

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