Job was a man who had it all. He was the richest man in the land where he live, as Job 1:3 tells us. He was a man who feared God, and verse one of chapter one tells us that he was a "man of complete integrity," (NLT). As we read Job 1:1-5, we see that Job has everything going for him, in all he does.
Moving into verse 6, we switch gears, and are given insight into what is going on in heaven at this time. From verses 6-12, we read about Satan approaching God, and God telling Satan about Job, and how dedicated of a servant Job was to His Lord God. Satan stood up against the Lord, telling Him that Job just followed Him so faithfully because God protected him, and allowed Job to prosper in all he did. Satan reasoned with God, telling Him that Job only followed Him because God protected and provided so well for him. "Take away everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face!" (Job 1:11, NLT). The Lord told Satan to do what he would, but not to harm Job physically.
The story continues, telling about how Job lost everything he had, all in the same day; first his animals and farmhands, sheep and shepherds, camels and servants, and even all his sons and daughters.
Job was distraught. The Bible tells us he stood up and tore his robes because of his overwhelming grief (1:20). However, even though he had lost everything, he did not curse God, but praised Him! (1:21). He never blamed God for anything, but praised God through everything He went through.
How quick are we to blame God when things do not go our way? I know I am quick to become angry with God when I do not get my own way. But, is that the way we are supposed to be? I don't think so. Is this difficult, praising God through trials? Definitely!
I attended a church service over the weekend, and the pastor was preaching on the people of Zion, and their wondering about where God was in the midst of their trials. He said something that stuck with me, and it will be something that I will often think about; "Despite what we may think or feel, God is with His people," (Benjamin Pass).
Job knew that God was with him in the midst of his trials, and tribulations. Can we trust God will do the same for us?
Psalm 23:4 (NIV)
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.
(Suggested reading: Psalm 23).
