One of my favorite Bible stories concerns a man who deserved better, but got the brunt of Satan's attacks. Job is clearly one of the outstanding men of the Old Testament days.
His life was good, but the God allowed Lucifer to bring about a devastation that few could withstand. After it all, though, God gave back to Job more than just riches. God restored Job's faith in his walk with God.
God allows us to be tested. I have had my trials, but they are nothing compared to seeing your world crashing down. Children gone. Servants dead. Fields burned. Bad stuff x100.
But, we see Job sitting around listening to his "friends" tell him how bad he must be, in God's eyes, and yet, Job withstands it all. Job had much more patience than I could ever find.
David was a "man after God's own heart". Yet, he had no trials like Job. Noah got drunk after the Ark brought him through the floods. Moses never entered the Promised Land. Great men who failed due to human frailty.
I have been like Job in only a small way. Though tested, I never give up. I am convinced in the power of God's Holy Spirit bringing me through each day.
Job 118 While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said, “Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, 19 when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!â€
20 At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship 21 and said:
“Naked I came 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.â€
22 In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.
