What if the good life demands difficult moments? Just because you’re waiting doesn’t mean God’s not working. Opening Statement - Waiting for Vindication Job 13:1–2 “Behold, my eye has seen all this, my ear has heard and understood it. 2 What you know, I also know; I am not inferior to you. Job 13:3-4 But I would speak to the Almighty, and I desire to argue my case with God. 4 As for you, you whitewash with lies; worthless physicians are you all. 5 Oh that you would keep silent, and it would be your wisdom! Job 13:6-12 Hear now my argument and listen to the pleadings of my lips. 7 Will you speak falsely for God and speak deceitfully for him? 8 Will you show partiality toward him? Will you plead the case for God? 9 Will it be well with you when he searches you out? Or can you deceive him, as one deceives a man? 10 He will surely rebuke you if in secret you show partiality. 11 Will not his majesty terrify you, and the dread of him fall upon you? 12 Your maxims are proverbs of ashes; your defenses are defenses of clay. Jeremiah 17:9 The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? 2 Corinthians 12:9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Job 13:15 Though he slay me, I will hope in him; yet I will argue my ways to his face. Cross-Examination - Waiting for Justification Job 13:18–24 Behold, I have prepared my case; I know that I shall be in the right. 19 Who is there who will contend with me? For then I would be silent and die. 20 Only grant me two things, then I will not hide myself from your face: 21 withdraw your hand far from me, and let not dread of you terrify me. 22 Then call, and I will answer; or let me speak, and you reply to me. 23 How many are my iniquities and my sins? Make me know my transgression and my sin. 24 Why do you hide your face and count me as your enemy? Job 13:20-26 Please, God, I have two requests; grant them so I’ll know I count with you: First, lay off the afflictions; the terror is too much for me. Second, address me directly so I can answer you, or let me speak and then you answer me. How many sins have been charged against me? Show me the list—how bad is it? Why do you stay hidden and silent? Why treat me like I’m your enemy? Why kick me around like an old tin can? Why beat a dead horse? You compile a long list of mean things about me, even hold me accountable for the sins of my youth. Closing Argument - Waiting for Salvation Job 14:13 Oh that you would hide me in Sheol, that you would conceal me until your wrath be past, that you would appoint me a set time, and remember me! Job 14:14 If a man dies, shall he live again? All the days of my service I would wait, till my renewal should come. Job 14:16-17 For then you would number my steps; you would not keep watch over my sin; 17 my transgression would be sealed up in a bag, and you would cover over my iniquity. The resurrection is God’s proof that helplessness is not hopelessness. Interested in Baptism: https://lp.life/LPPCBaptism25 Join us for Starting Point: https://lp.life/LPPCstartingpoint Lifepoint Women’s Gathering – Sept. 5 | 6:00–8:30 PM lp.life/women Lifepoint Men’s Gathering – Sept. 6 | 9:00–11:30 AM lp.life/men