Job 2 -- Not Wasting Suffering

God was pleased with Job and knew Job’s heart.  He therefore baited Satan again with Job’s faithfulness.  Satan just knew that robbing Job of his health would remove that faithfulness and he asked God for permission to do just that.  God agreed, because He knew that He would be glorified by the result.

Job was so afflicted by Satan’s efforts that he had to remove himself from society, living with outcasts in the city dump.  He was covered head to toe in sores, and his skin even turned black as a result.  His three friends who came to console him didn’t even recognize him!

Having lost her family, her wealth, and her status, Job’s wife couldn’t bear to see him suffer so, and she tempted him to curse God in the hopes that he would die quickly.  “Of course, she was wrong to suggest this,” my commentary said.

It continued, “In times of severe testing, our first question must not be, ‘How can I get out of this?’ but ‘What can I get out of this?’ … Faith is living without scheming.  It is obeying God in spite of feelings, circumstances, or consequences, knowing that He is working out His perfect plan in His way and in His time … Even if God did permit evil to come into his life, Job would not rebel against God by taking matters into his own hands … ‘It is faith’s work to claim and challenge lovingkindness out of all the roughest strokes of God.’  Job was going to trust God – and even argue with God! --  and not waste his sufferings or his opportunity to receive what God had for him.  When life is difficult, it’s easy to give up; but giving up is the worst thing we can do.”

Father, help me to have a faith like Job’s.  When sufferings come, help me not to waste them or to waste my opportunity to receive what You have for me.

Your Brother In Christ,

Gary Ford