We count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful. -James 5:11 (NASB)
Believers and nonbelievers eventually face seasons of trials, desperation, heartache, and grief. But what separates the true believers from all others is simply trusting in, and surrendering to, God’s will. True believers know that life and happiness are not about us, but to bring glory to our creator.
How completely archaic and backward to say such a thing in such a modern world we live in, where anything goes! But God’s will and His character are timeless, which we can witness and learn about in its wholeness by reading all of His Word, from Genesis to Revelation.
But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips. -Job 2:10 (NASB)
Prosperity preachers teach that to love God–especially with our wallets to their ministries–will result in worldly prosperity and happiness. But this is completely contrary to God’s Word! In the passage above, Job rebukes his own wife, who tempts him to renounce God because his life was going south.
In the Book of Job, Satan comes before God to argue that Job, a blameless man, would turn from God if he were stripped of all he had and loved: possessions, family, friends, health…everything. God allows Satan to try. Though Job could never know the conversations above that led to his trials, he ultimately disproves Satan’s hypothesis.
Job demonstrated that rock-solid faith, like a house built on stone instead of sand, could withstand the worst storms. And in the end, God restored double of what He allowed to be taken from Job.
We may not understand why such terrible storms rage in our lives, but we can always trust and know in His higher thoughts and ways, His greater purpose, and that our trust in Him brings Him the glory when the godless would be blown away. Hang in there, true believer.
Today’s soundtrack
“Thy Will” by Hillary Scott & the Scott Family remembers in song that it’s not about us, but Him and His will…but that His plans for us are good.
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