At the conclusion of yesterday's blog, I asked you to consider why God would hand over Job's life to Satan to be tormented. Why would our Maker, who claims complete devotion and love for us, allow terrible things to happen to His servant? I think clues to the answer can be found back in God's own description of Job as He dialogs with Satan. Check it out...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.” (Job 1:8)
Here, in this statement, God is putting Satan in his place by proving the unbreakable bond held between God and every true and faithful servant of the Most High. God proudly beams with His approval of Job, like a parent bragging about His child. He defends that His servant lives blameless and upright - always choosing to honor God's Name no matter what circumstance may occur.
You see, God knows that when all is said and done, it really won't be about His people suffering or not suffering here on earth. Rather, it will be about our eternal bond to our King. A relationship that can only exist when first grounded in HIS love, and then followed by our response to completely love the Redeemer in return with all our heart. Such a union is for our ultimate good! Like Job, our security must always rest in WHO GOD IS, rather than foolishly focusing on what God may or may not allow to happen to us.
If we really believe that our God is good, then earthly trials become opportunities for His sake. If we are certain that God loves us more than anything else, then human heartache and suffering cannot overshadow our hope in Him! When you think about God permitting the interference of evil in this new way, you understand that every hardship is an opportunity to be used to glorify and share His Name. This is the reason James encouraged us to consider our trials pure joy - allowing God to prove His sovereignty through our chosen humility and faithful perseverance.
Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. (James 1:2-4)
Truly the events in Job's life proved to be the greatest of compliments from God. Think about it, the Maker of the universe confidently trusted Job, His servant, to faithfully represent! God knew that Job was completely devoted to Him. Yet, Satan still pompously challenged God's sovereign wisdom. Then God confidently defends Job and provides him a great opportunity to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. Without knowing any of this has happened, Job chooses (yes, chooses!) to honor and obey His Almighty Father - entrusting his spiritual integrity to the safekeeping of his King. And, despite not knowing God's full plan, Job believes that God will not give him more than he can handle. Job relies on God keeping His promises. In turn, God is faithful and does not allow Satan to give Job more than he can endure and ultimately blesses Job with more. The story results in a grand victory in God's family name - Jesus' Name! AMEN!
In the end, Job becomes a tremendous example and receives blessings beyond measure from his approving Master. Hallelujah!
In the end, the kingdom of the Most High is honored and glorified. Yippee!
In the end, God wins!
In the end, God always wins! WOO HOO!!!
Friends, sometimes we will endure great suffering for reasons unknown this side of Heaven. Through these times, I encourage you to think of Job and choose, as he did, to praise WHO GOD IS. Remember that no matter how late the hour, the dawn will ultimately break the darkness. God's Light will indeed be revealed. The Son will always, always shine!
Rejoice! For His kingdom comes!!! God always wins! So, let's allow Him to use our lives as part of the victory! Praise Jesus forever... for His grace is sufficient to see us through every moment!
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it. (1 Corinthians 10:13)
Tomorrow, we will continue to discuss some key points taken from the book of Job. Until then, please consider how generous our God is to share with us His interaction with Satan before Job was under the attack of the enemy. Clearly, God shows us that there is indeed a bigger purpose for what takes place before our earthly eyes.
What a comfort to know that He is in full control. Yes, how great is our King to explain to his servants the full lesson of Job from it's very beginning so that we can understand His greater scope and the unseen dealings regarding His hand over our own life. His ways are indeed higher than our own! Hallelujah!
Think prayerfully on these things.
Blessings!
~Victoria
© The Devoted Woman | Victoria Anderson
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