“What I always feared has happened to me.

What I dreaded has come true.” – Job

This quote sums up a sad story. By Job 3:25, all of his children were dead. Boils covered his body. His wife degraded his faith. And his friends weren’t talking to him.

In short, Job’s worst fears became facts.

If we add up our unexpected losses, unexplained illnesses and or unanswered questions, we would land in our unimaginable too.

However, I try my best to avoid the sum of my fears. I wish them away. I pray they don’t happen. I flinch at the thought of their likelihood. And yet Job’s story reminds us, even at our best, eventually we all struggle with something God’s sovereignty allows.

I won’t ask you to list the sum of your fears; but if you did, what would be your conclusion?

the sum of all fears = panic?

the sum of all fears = denial?

the sum of all fears = bitterness?

After his test, Job did a different kind of math. Here’s what he said to God:

“I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
 You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’
    Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.” – Job 42:2-3 NLT

Now instead of fearful, Job is wise. When I’m afraid, I can also speak of things I don’t understand. But I’m learning some things are too wonderful for me to know — until God is ready to reveal them. Job’s tragic chapter 3 eventually became a triumphant chapter 42. He gives us a faith formula.

The sum of all fears is much < the faithfulness of God.

Thanks for the flight lesson Job. When we’re afraid, I pray we’ll FLY towards our “chapter 42” too. It’s the sure way to add more hope for the heart and bring more joy to the soul.

Click here for more information on this series or the “It’s Time to FLY” gallery!