Lessons from Job

 

Job 2:10 NIV

He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.

We are studying the book of Job in the Proverbs 31 ministries First 5 app.  I have read the book of Job many times, but it has a freshness to it as I study it anew.  Job is declared by God to be a man who is blameless and upright, fearing God and shunning evil(Job 1:1;1:8).  

Job is a good man, but God allows Satan to test Job.  Satan says that Job does all of this because he is fortunate and blessed.  God believes in Job and knows his heart so he lets the enemy put Job to the test. In one day, one tragedy after another happens to Job. His property is taken and destroyed, his servants killed, and his children die (Job 1:13-19).  Yet, in verse 20 we see Job worshipping and praising God.  He knew He was sovereign.  As I read it I thought to myself I would have been asking the question why, but Job trusted God.

Job’s faith vindicates God. This wasn’t enough for the enemy though.  He wants to lay his hands on Job.  God allows it, but tells Satan he can’t take his life.  So the enemy afflicts Job from the sole of his feet to the crown of his head(Job 2:7).  His wife says curse God and die, but Job calls her foolish. He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.(Job 2:10)

Job took the blessings along with the suffering.  He trusted God.  We know Job had done nothing wrong.  It was a test that brought glory to God.  We also know that in the end Job is doubly blessed ( Job 42:10,12).

I think it’s easy when suffering comes to become jaded.  I recall a time in my life where I suffering to the point of despair and said sarcasm to God if You want to fix it You will.  I was angry and bewildered.  Full transparency, some of my suffering was self inflicted.  Others because it was what it was.  But God never left me.  I was sifted and tested and blessed doubly more too.  I was not a pawn in a game, but God was showing me Who He was and who I was in Him.  God knew Job was upright and that He would shun evil.  Job knows it now too just like I do.  Trouble is no fun, but even it serves a purpose.  It shows the accuser to be a liar. The enemy always loses against God.  

Lord, I will admit I don’t always understand Your ways, but I trust You to be good.  I trust You to be on my side.  Help me to remember that when trials come.  Help me to have faith like Job.  In Jesus name. Amen