I recently said that Job was living his 24k gold life, like the Bruno Mars song. If Job was living in this time that probably would be his theme song every time he walked in a room. OhKay, probably not. Job was righteous, He lived upright, He was blameless, fearing God and shunning evil (Job 1:1). Imagine having his characteristics and all the worldly possessions you could imagine plus some. Then all of a sudden for reasons unknown all of it taken away from you. Your children, house, job, and your health all at once. How would you react? (Job 1:21) And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” This was Job's reaction.
I've been there and honestly at that time I wasn't as strong as Job. It was a season where God was removing what I thought were great opportunities, good friends, great relationships. However, after the storm comes light. I learned through all your test God is with you. God is producing a testimony greater than your wildest dreams. After that storm you will be as strong as Job. God want to see us prosper. (Jeremiah 29:11) For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. God will remove anything and everyone that stand in the way of getting you to your Greater. which is where he want you to be. He will also use that "wilderness" season to prepare you for that next level.
God knew exactly what he was doing. The devil couldn't make any decisions over Job's life unless God gave him permission. The Lord SAID to Satan "very well, then everything he has is in your power but on the man himself do not lay a finger" (Job 1:12). The Devil has no Power over Us. Let that just sit with you. Do you realize the Power we have as God's Children? God uses the same things the Devil tries to steal, kill and destroy for our good.
It's kind of hard for many of us to fathom that the wilderness season we may be experiencing may be from God. Here is the thing. God is with us through those tough times walking right beside us. You just have to keep your faith and know that God is in control. He already knows the outcome. Its not for us to worry. Place all your anxiety onto the lord and he will surly work everything out. continue to pray, fast and worship.
While Job was going through his trials like humans he had moments of weakness, of questioning. God spoke to Job and he repented. By God's grace he was forgiven. God then says to Job's friends they need to make burnt sacrifice offering for themselves and go make Job pray for them(Job 42;7-9). Another example of how faithful Job was. So forgiven and obedient he prays for them and God returns everything he had giving him twice as much(Job 42:10). Imagine If Job was like "nah, they're not good friends". Its easy to turn your back on those that wronged you in your time of need. However, it takes a strong, righteous, faithful person to pray for their enemy. Job's friends needed him to pray on their behalf ( Job 42:8). If we want forgiveness from God. Why do we think that we must not forgive our brothers and sisters........That's a whole other post COMING SOON!
in Jesus name AMEN!
love you for reading