The Faith of Job

 

     You may know the story of Job We tend to believe that if we do everything right, we won’t suffer. Surely, we will be rewarded for our goodness, our faithfulness, our righteousness in Christ. When we read through the Book of Job, we learn the truth. We all suffer. Maybe no one has suffered more than Job, other than Christ Himself.

     Job followed God. He was a righteous man, rich in family and in possessions. And he lost everything. Everything, including all of his children, all of his possessions, even his health. His friends muttered helplessly, placing the blame on Job himself. Read through the book of Job when you have time.

     Job reacts as we might. He weeps, and wails and tears his clothes in anguish. He asks why over and over again, even wondering why he was born. One thing remained unchanged in Job. He held on to one hope. He did not lose faith in his God. Our God. He placed his trust and hope in him, even in the most dire of circumstances.

At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship. Job 1:20

     Worship? Is this the first thing you think to do when grief and tragedy hit? Job did. Listen to his confident words. They may be familiar.

…”Naked I come 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 1:21

     Job did not understand, but he never blamed God. Hope remained. Hope in the risen Lord. Finally, Job speaks these words of faith. We can do the same.

“I know that my redeemer lives and that in the end He will stand on the earth.” Job 19:25

Lord,

Thank You for the examples You give us in Scripture and in our lives of men and women of faith, never doubting Your love and promises. We know we will live with You one day forever. Give us the hope and worship of Job.

In Jesus name,

Amen