I wonder how many of us could have gone through what Job went through, and stayed faithful.
He had wealth, health, and a family.
He was devoted to God.
But Scripture tells us that Satan claimed Job was only faithful to God because of his prosperity and protection.
So, God allowed Satan to test Job.
(Job 1:9-12)
What happened?
Satan caused Job to lose his wealth and his children in a series of catastrophic events.
But, Job stayed faithful.
(Job 1:13-22)
Satan afflicted Job with painful sores from head to toe.
But, Job stayed faithful.
(Job 2:7)
Job’s wife urged him to curse God.
But, Job stayed faithful.
(Job 2:9-10)
It’s an extreme story.
It’s a well-known story.
It’s a story of faith.
But that’s not where it ends.
God has the last say.
He always does.
Job’s fortune was restored…
He ended up with twice what he had before.
He had more children.
(Job 42:10-13)
His devotion to God…
It wouldn’t be destroyed.
No matter what.
It’s a mighty, mighty example of faith.
It’s a story that you and I are glad isn’t ours.
But, we have our own experiences.
No one exists in flesh…
Without pain.
It’s part of life.
Some of us experience it more than others.
But, we all experience it.
It’s not experienced in proportion to sins.
It doesn’t work like that.
But, we want clear answers.
We want everything to be logical.
We want understanding.
We want “good” people to suffer the least, and “bad” people to suffer the most.
Isn’t that justice?
That’s not for us to judge.
We’re all sinners.
One sin makes us a sinner.
One sin separates us from God.
One sin requires Jesus’ death on the cross to receive forgiveness and salvation.
It feels like we want there to be a scale of sorts that dishes out pain based on what’s appropriate.
What’s appropriate?
Our death.
What’s appropriate?
Spending eternity in separation from God.
The price of sin.
What’s gifted?
Salvation through Jesus.
What’s promised?
Hope.
You could be healed in an instant…
Keep praying.
Your answers could be delayed…
Keep praying.
Whatever happens…
Stay faithful.
You have a heavenly father who’s helping you no matter what you’re going through.
(Isaiah 41:10)
You have a heavenly home that will put you in the presence of God forever.
(John 14:2-3)
That’s the zoomed-out beautiful picture.
Let’s focus on that.
-Steinar
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