You think you have problems? Well, I guess you haven’t read about Job from the land of Uz.
This man lived a blameless and upright life, fearing God, and shunning evil. Job had seven sons and three daughters, and he owned numerous animals and servants. He was actually the greatest man in UZ (Job 1, NIV). Then Job’s life was turned upside down Job always made sacrifices to God on behalf of his children just in case they sinned against Him (Job 1:5). The Bible says one day the angels went before the Lord, and Satan also arrived with them. The Lord said to Satan, “Where have you come from?” (verses 6-7) Satan answered the Lord, “From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it” (verse 7). The Bible tells us that God asked Satan if he “considered [His] servant Job” since there was no one on earth like him because of his dedication to God (verse 8). Satan told God Job served the Lord because of the blessings God bestowed on him. The devil added, “But now stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face” (verse 11). The Lord then gave Satan permission to snatch Job’s blessings but not to kill him. What happened next? Job’s animals were stolen and his servants were killed. Then immediately after, fire fell from heaven and burned up Job’s sheep and his other servants. While the messenger was delivering the message about the fire, another messenger arrived and told Job his camels were stolen and more of his servants killed. Finally, Job’s sons and daughters died when a mighty wind struck the oldest brother’s house while they were all there feasting (Job 1:18-19. How did Job respond? “At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship” (Job 1:20). Then he proclaimed, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised” (Job 20-21). When you are facing unceasing trials, do you respond like Job? That is what God is requiring of us. |
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