Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” “Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied. Job 1:8-9
In this time of global trial, for many of us, everything seems to be going in the wrong direction. We've lost our jobs, our health is failing, our friends and relatives are dying, food is in short supply and our finances are depleted. So what should we do when we're feeling down and defeated, wondering if things will get worse? We should remember that God is always faithful. If He’s allowing us to go through a time of testing, He has a greater purpose in mind. So instead of lamenting our woes, feeling sorry for ourselves and questioning God, let us pause and remind ourselves that Jesus still sits on the throne working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28). He has a plan for our lives and nothing can thwart that. Remember this fact: Faith is not about you having all the answers, but trusting the One who does even when life doesn’t make sense.
To prove this, consider Job. A man who led an exemplary life and had everything- Children, servants, money, herds, fields and much more. Then one day he lost everything but his life. Yet instead of murmuring and complaining, he did a most unusual thing in the face of horrible news. He fell to the ground in worship. Wow! (Job 1:20). What has been our response during this pandemic? Umm...
I like to put testing that is allowed by God this way: God is very particular about who He allows in the lions’ dens and fiery furnaces of life. He knows who will go through it and those who will die in it. To understand the testing of Job and the outcome you’ll need to read all 42 chapters and I encourage you to do so.
Brothers and sisters, regardless of life's pressures and pains, trials and tribulations, sorrow and suffering, may we, like Job, keep our faith and devotion knowing that, in the fullness of time, God will turn things around in our favor. The calamity that Job endured was not from God but was permitted by God. Our response during any time of testing will determine how we come through it. Don’t merely survive the test, thrive in the test. Job did!
PRAYER: Dear Lord, I don't know, neither can I understand why some things happen. Nevertheless, I trust You to see me through. Help me to keep the faith and praise You while I wait for You to turn things around in my favor. This I pray in Jesus' precious Name. Amen.
Written by permission of the Holy Spirit
W. Tennant