EGW WritingsJob 13

The Ministry of Healing

Searching Into Divine Mysteries

MH 435.4

“All Thy works shall praise Thee, O Lord;
And Thy saints shall bless Thee.
They shall speak of the glory of Thy kingdom,
And talk of Thy power;
To make known to the sons of men His mighty acts,
And the glorious majesty of His kingdom.
Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom,
And Thy dominion endureth throughout all generations....
My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord:
And let all flesh bless His holy name for ever and ever.” Job 13:11; 22:12; Job 25:3; 37:5-24, A.R.V., margin; Psalm 113:5, 6; Nahum 1:3; Psalm 145:3-21.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 2 (1869 - 1875)

Lt 38, 1874

2LtMs, Lt 38, 1874, par. 4

We are justified to walk by sight as long as we can, but when we can no longer see the way clearly, then we need to put our hand in our heavenly Father’s and let Him lead. There are emergencies in the life of all in which we can neither follow sight nor trust to memory or experience. All we can do is simply to trust and wait. We shall honor God to trust Him because He is our heavenly Father. “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.” Job 13:13. There is no difficulty, no sorrow, no dark future, no impending trouble that cannot be met and conquered by the thought, “‘I know that my Redeemer liveth.’ My Father knoweth the way. He will lead me safely. I have put my hand in His; He will not suffer me to stumble or my feet to slide.” I want this perfect faith and perfect confidence and unwavering trust.

Counsels to Parents, Teachers, and Students

Does It Pay

CT 317.4

Let the hard-pressed, sorely tried one say, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him.” “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” Job 13:15; Habakkuk 3:17, 18.

Living by Principle

Feelings

PH048 33.2

Job 13:15: Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 5 (1887-1888)

Lt 46, 1887

5LtMs, Lt 46, 1887, par. 17

I feel a deep, earnest interest that you shall not only win the crown of everlasting life, but that you should have daily as you pass along the comforts of the grace of Christ, that your faith shall hold firmly to Jesus. He will respond to the faith exercised in Him. I do not mean that you will have a happy ecstasy of feeling, but that intelligent faith that reaches things unseen, that simple faith that takes God at His word, and that can say, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him.” [Job 13:15.] I know that the Lord has helped you many, many times. I have the fullest confidence that He has made you a blessing to very many. May the Lord clothe you with His salvation. Walk in the light, press to the light, refuse to look at darkness or talk darkness; talk of things that are calculated to uplift the soul, come close to Jesus, commune with Him. He will be your wisdom, He will preserve you still to do a good work for Him. Satan, you must know, will seek to hinder you in every possible way. He will delight to discourage you and shorten your life. I want your life spared, I do not want the devil to have his way. I want you to be a strong, well-balanced character, because the grace of Christ is given you in large measure. I know it is your privilege to have the blessing of God daily, and you cannot fill your position unless you do have it. May you be of good courage in the Lord. Turn your attention from disagreeable things. By beholding you become changed. Talk of pleasant things, talk hope and courage, and you will have hope and courage.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 6 (1889-1890)

Lt 75, 1889

6LtMs, Lt 75, 1889, par. 6

My head has not worked for weeks. There is a determination of blood to the brain, but today I have been feeling some encouraged that relief was coming. I shall wait and trust and thank God, [every day] and every night, saying, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in Him.” [Job 13:15.] I have lain awake for hours in the night praising the Lord for His mercy and lovingkindness. Some seemed very solicitous for me, but I told them if I should die that is not the worst thing that could happen to me. Let me never be found dishonoring my Lord by voice or pen, mind or body. I am of good courage and I will cling to the arm of Infinite power. Think I shall improve. Yes, I believe I shall.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 19, 1892

7LtMs, Ms 19, 1892, par. 26

The night has been long and trying. I lay awake from half past ten till half past two, so full of nervous pain that I could not rest. But I will not repine. “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.” [Job 13:15.] I shall be glad when the days lengthen and the nights shorten. Constantly my petition is ascending to God for restoration to health, that while here in Australia, I may bear my testimony to the people. But if the Lord has other plans for me, I am content. He knows what is for my good and the good of His people. He doeth all things well.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 7 (1891-1892)

Ms 33, 1892

7LtMs, Ms 33, 1892, par. 9

The night has been long and trying. I lay awake from half past ten till half past two, so full of nervous pain that I could not rest. But I will not repine. “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.” Job 13:15. I shall be glad when the days lengthen and the nights shorten. Constantly my petition is ascending to God for restoration to health, that while here in Australia I may bear my testimony to the people. But if the Lord has other plans for me, I am content. He knows what is for my good and the good of His people. He doeth all things well.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Lt 135, 1897

12LtMs, Lt 135, 1897, par. 12

The Lord permits circumstances to come that call for the exercise of the passive graces, which increase in purity and efficiency as we endeavor to give back to the Lord His own in tithe and offerings. You know something of what it means to pass through trials. These have given you the opportunity of trusting in God, of seeking Him in earnest prayer, that you may believe in Him, and reply upon Him with simple faith. It is by suffering that our virtues are tested, and our faith tried. It is in the day of trouble that we feel the preciousness of Jesus. You will be given opportunity to say, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.” [Job 13:15.] O, it is so precious to think that opportunities are afforded us to confess our faith in the face of danger, and amid sorrow, sickness, pain, and death.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 12 (1897)

Ms 89, 1897

12LtMs, Ms 89, 1897, par. 15

We will follow the Lamb in the courts above only if we follow Him here. Following Him in heaven depends on our keeping His commandments here below. In daily life we must follow His example, as a flock trustfully follows its shepherd. We are not to follow Christ fitfully or capriciously, only when it is for our own advantage. We are to follow Him by suffering for His sake, saying at every step, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust him.” [Job 13:15.] We must choose to follow Him. His life practice must be our life practice. And as we thus seek to be like Him, and to bring our wills into conformity to His will, we shall reveal Him. We need not wait till we are translated to follow Christ. This God’s people may do here below.

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 15 (1900)

Ms 43, 1900

15LtMs, Ms 43, 1900, par. 56

God may permit a train of circumstances to come, that they might flee to the stronghold, urging their faith to the throne of God amid the thick clouds of darkness; for even here His presence dwells concealed. He is ever ready to deliver all that trust in Him. Gained in such a way, the victory will be more complete, the triumph more sure, for the tried, sore-pressed and afflicted one has said, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.” [Job 13:15.] “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither fruit be in the vine; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the field shall yield no meat, the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: yet will I rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” [Habakkuk 3:17, 18.]

Letters and Manuscripts — Volume 16 (1901)

Ms 118, 1901

16LtMs, Ms 118, 1901, par. 3

Let teachers remember that God is leading them to more perfect confidence in Him. His eye is ever upon them, and if in their perplexity they will look to Him in faith, He will bring them from the furnace of trial refined and purified as gold tried in the fire. He has said, “I will never leave thee nor forsake thee.” [Hebrews 13:5.] He permits trial to come on them to draw them nearer to Him. He is always ready to deliver those who trust in Him. Let the hard-pressed, sorely tried one say, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.” [Job 13:15.] “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat, the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls; yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” [Habakkuk 3:17, 18.]

Education

The Testing of Job

Ed 156.4

“I know that my Redeemer liveth,
And that He shall stand up at the last upon the earth:
And after my skin hath been destroyed, this shall be,
Even from my flesh shall I see God:
Whom I shall see for myself,
And mine eyes shall behold, and not as a stranger.” Job 19:7-21, R.V.; 23:3-10, R.V.; 13:15; 19:25-27, R.V., margin.

In Heavenly Places

Followers of the Lamb, October 18

HP 298.3

We need not wait till we are translated to follow Christ. God’s people may do this here below. We shall follow the Lamb of God in the courts above only if we follow Him here.... We are not to follow Christ fitfully or capriciously, only when it is for our advantage. We must choose to follow Him. In daily life we must follow His example, as a flock trustfully follows its shepherd. We are to follow Him by suffering for His sake, saying at every step, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him” (Job 13:15). His life practice must be our life practice. And as we thus seek to be like Him and to bring our wills into conformity to His will we shall reveal Him.29The Review and Herald, April 12, 1898.

Manuscript Releases, vol. 8 [Nos. 526-663]

MR No. 548—How Ellen White Bore Suffering

8MR 45.1

June 15—The night has been long and trying. I lay awake from half past ten till half past two, so full of nervous pain that I could not rest. But I will not repine. “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him.” (Job 13:15.) I shall be glad when the days lengthen and the nights shorten....

Manuscript Releases, vol. 19 [Nos. 1360-1419]

MR No. 1390—Letter to a Discouraged James White; Work in Washington, Iowa

19MR 186.1

We are justified to walk by sight as long as we can, but when we can no longer see the way clearly, then we need to put our hand in our heavenly Father’s and let Him lead. There are emergencies in the life of all in which we can neither follow sight nor trust to memory or experience. All we can do is simply to trust and wait. We shall honor God to trust Him because He is our heavenly Father. “Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him” (Job 13:15). There is no difficulty, no sorrow, no dark future, no impending trouble that cannot be met and conquered by the thought, “I know that my Redeemer liveth. My Father knoweth the way. He will lead me safely. I have put my hand in His; He will not suffer me to stumble or my feet to slide.” I want this perfect faith and perfect confidence and unwavering trust.

Selected Messages Book 1

Chapter 15—When the Church Awakes

1SM 117.4

The Lord permits circumstances to come that call for the exercise of the passive graces, which increase in purity and efficiency as we endeavor to give back to the Lord His own in tithes and offerings. You know something of what it means to pass through trials. These have given you the opportunity of trusting in God, of seeking Him in earnest prayer, that you may believe in Him, and rely upon Him with simple faith. It is by suffering that our virtues are tested, and our faith tried. It is in the day of trouble that we feel the preciousness of Jesus. You will be given opportunity to say, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him” (Job 13:15). Oh, it is so precious to think that opportunities are afforded us to confess our faith in the face of danger, and amid sorrow, sickness, pain, and death....

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 7

Power from on High

7T 274.3

Teachers meet with many trials. Discouragements press upon them as they see that their efforts are not always appreciated by their pupils. Satan strives to afflict them with bodily infirmities, hoping to lead them to murmur against God, to forget His goodness, His mercy, His love, and the exceeding weight of glory that awaits the overcomer. Let them remember that by trial God is leading them to more perfect confidence in Him. His eye is ever upon them, and if in their perplexity they look to Him in faith, He will bring them forth from the furnace refined and purified as gold tried in the fire. He permits trials to come to them to draw them nearer to Him, but He lays on them no burden greater than they are able to bear. And He declares: “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Hebrews 13:5. He is always ready to deliver those who trust in Him. Let the hard-pressed, sorely tried teacher say: “Though He slay Me, yet will I trust in Him.” “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” Job 13:15; Habakkuk 3:17, 18.

Testimonies for the Church, vol. 6

The Teacher’s Work

6T 156.4

Trials will be met in this work; discouragements will press in upon the soul as teachers see that their labors are not always appreciated. Satan will exercise his power over them in temptations, in discouragements, in afflictions of bodily infirmities, hoping that he can cause them to murmur against God and close their understanding to His goodness, mercy, and love, and the exceeding weight of glory that is to be the reward of the overcomer. But God is leading these souls to more perfect confidence in their heavenly Father. His eye is upon them every moment; and if they lift their cry to Him in faith, if they will stay their souls upon Him in their perplexities, the Lord will bring them forth as gold purified. The Lord Jesus has said: “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Hebrews 13:5. God may permit a train of circumstances to come that will lead them to flee to the Stronghold, by faith pressing to the throne of God amid thick clouds of darkness; for even here His presence is concealed. But He is ever ready to deliver all that trust in Him. Gained in such a way, the victory will be more complete, the triumph more sure; for the tried, sore-pressed, and afflicted one can say: “Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him.” Job 13:15. “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation.” Habakkuk 3:17, 18.

That I May Know Him

Trust in Time of Trial, September 8

TMK 257.2

The Christian’s hope does not rest upon the sandy foundation of feeling. Those who act from principle will behold the glory of God beyond the shadows, and rest upon the sure word of promise. They will not be deterred from honoring God however dark the way may seem. Adversity and trial will only give them an opportunity to show the sincerity of their faith and love. When depression settles upon the soul, it is no evidence that God has changed. He is “the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever” (Hebrews 13:8). You are sure of the favor of God when you are sensible of the beams of the Sun of Righteousness; but if the clouds sweep over your soul, you must not feel that you are forsaken. Your faith must pierce the gloom.... The riches of the grace of Christ must be kept before the mind. Treasure up the lessons that His love provides. Let your faith be like Job’s, that you may declare, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him” (Job 13:15). Lay hold on the promises of your heavenly Father and remember His former dealing with you and with His servants, for “all things work together for good to them that love God.”

Our High Calling

Faith Must Pierce the Gloom, November 14

OHC 324.1

Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him.... He also shall be my salvation. Job 13:15, 16.

Prophets and Kings

Chapter 12—From Jezreel to Horeb

PK 164.1

“Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him: ...
He also shall be my salvation.”
“I know that my Redeemer liveth,
And that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth:
And though after my skin worms destroy this body,
Yet in my flesh shall I see God:
Whom I shall see for myself,
And mine eyes shall behold, and not another.” Job 13:15, 16; 19:25-27.