This week I had a very interesting occurrence at work. My colleague and I were talking about the Bible and other religious enlightenments in relation to the Word. I have to admit that I learnt a lot and debated a few things. Sadly, the talk ended just as fast as it has began. That’s how sweet the brief fellowship was. Among the many topics we discussed, was Job from the Bible. To be honest, my colleague is very blunt and he spoke his mind on the matter. As a matter of fact, saying he was upset is an understatement….
“What kind of God allows certain things to happen? Just to prove our faith to him? Despite my loyalty, why do I still have to be tested? Why would he destroy an entire family? Why kill my kids to prove my faith to you?” My colleague was having none of it. Defending the faith is harder when you don’t know the answers. Although this was true, I asked the Holy spirit for help for the both of us because I was just as puzzled.
Frankly, Job’s loss has never quiet hit home until this incident. Not to mention my one “soldering-on” persepective on this man’s troubled life. My workmate is a father and I could tell Job’s story struck him more than me. Standing there dumbfounded, I prayed for an answer. Surely, the God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob is the same today and forever. Question is, what were we missing?
The eye of the storm.
The Lord did it! Let me testify of God’s goodness as I write this: Anytime, you ask something from the Lord, believe you have received! I thank God because he answered me. I was so excited! In other words, the most powerful omniscient being in the universe, just talked to me! I don’t recall word for word (I should have written it down T.T). ” I had to get him to know Me.” That struck me deep! This statement is consistent with His promise of salvation. More than anyone, God has shown so much patience with the human race just to have fellowship for hundreds of years. Also, God verbally talks about how much He wants this relationship to work.
And I will make an everlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from doing them good; but I will put My fear in their hearts so that they will not depart from Me.
Jeremiah 32:40
In the Bible Job presents the good he has done to the poor and widowed. In a way he hopes that his righteous ways may put him in favor with God. We do this sometimes in the hopes that we may “escape” a situation. Remember that this is actively asking for justification when we have no grounds of righteousness in the first place. This brings us to the part where God finally answers Job saying very heavy statements. God literally calls out Job saying that if he can carry out a universe job description, he’ll be hired.
Have you an arm like God? Or can you thunder with a voice like His?
Job 40: 9-10
Then adorn yourself with majesty and splendor, And array yourself with glory and beauty.
I have come to the conclusion that Job did know God, however not on an intimate level. We can verify this almost at the end of the book when job realizes that he took a bite he couldn’t swallow. God asks Job questions that last four chapters. It is in this manner that Job encounters God fully, the Creator of Heaven and earth.
“I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, But now my eye sees You.
Job 42: 5-6
Therefore I abhor myself, And repent in dust and ashes.”
The battle.
Job’s story is a nightmare for everyone. But sadly it is happening right now to someone. Could it be a test or an evil god? You decide. I am confident of what God says in His Word about us: He has plans for us, for good and not evil, a future and a hope (Jeremiah 29:11). In addition, Jesus says that the road to eternal life is the narrow one that’s difficult to follow. How much more then was it for Job?
As a Christian, as servants of God as Job was referred to as, we are automatically enemies with satan. Tests are never for entertainment but for growth in this relationship. We have been given a boost by the blood of Christ and now we have to put in the work. The Lord is always faithful, guiding us everyday, making our burdens lighter. Therefore it is therefore important to be ready for attacks. When he comes at you swinging, remember that when the enemy comes in like a flood the Holy Spirit will raise a standard against him. Believe that God is with you because He is, you are not alone!
So shall they fear the name of the Lord from the west,
Isaiah 59: 19
And His glory from the rising of the sun;
When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him.
Stand firm and stay blessed!