can you say, "i know..."?

Job 19:25-27 & Romans 8:28
    When we use the phrase, "I know...", we usually say it with confidence concerning something we are assured of because we have experienced it. But, when it comes to the future, saying "I know" implies faith. We may look ahead with hope and sometimes, our anticipations are rewarded with the realization of those things hoped for. At other times, our hopes are either denied, deferred or delayed...and yet, we retain assurance that these things will be.
       There are things in this world to which we can say with assurance, "I know". Most of these things to which we attest with such confidence, we have gained knowledge by experience, therefore, "we know".
       The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 8:28, "...and we know that all things work together for good...". The word translated "know" means a knowledge that comes by experience, as in having seen something. It refers to a first hand experience. Paul had lived long enough to have experienced many things in his life to which he could point and say with confidence that he knew that God had a way of working things out for those who love Him. He did not say that 'all things are good or would be easy", but that "all things work together for good..." The experiences we encounter serve as our teachers.
     Our text from Job 19 gives us a glimpse of Job's hope in the midst of his great trial of life. You recall the calamities that befell him in such rapid succession. The loss of his wealth, health and family all affected his future. When friends came to comfort, their words served only to add to his complications.
       In chapter 19, Job complains of his being forsaken by all his servants, friends, relatives and even his wife (13-19). He details his sufferings and calls upon his friends to pity him and wishes that his words would be recorded permanently (20-24). Then, he expresses his hope in verses 25-27, using the phrase, "I know..."
In the midst of all his uncertainty, Job had hope! He states emphatically that he knew that he had a Redeemer (one who was capable of avenging him and delivering him by paying the price necessary) and because of his Redeemer, he had an eye to a future Resurrection (26-27).
       Job's present circumstances were not seen to be permanent; because he had a Redeemer, he had a Future. Job was confident that his Redeemer would come to his rescue.
      Where does your confidence for your future lie? Does that confidence extend beyond the grave?   To the church at Philippi, the Apostle Paul wrote concerning his hope for the future, " According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain." (Phil. 1:20-21 KJV).
      Note that his confidence was in Christ; so even the prospect of death was considered by Paul to be gain.  May I ask, for what are you living that death would be your gain? Or, would death bring only loss?  Can you say with confidence "I know that my Redeemer lives and I shall see Him one day?"
         Jessie B. Pounds wrote the words to "I Know That My Redeemer Liveth" and they first appeared in an Easter cantata in 1893. Look it up and give it a listen!