“There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil.”

Job 1:1

Examining the life of a man that had many a trial. These trials and hardships did not just randomly happen in this man, Job’s life. The enemy, the devil accused Job before God, of being covetous and would turn on the Lord if all Job had was taken away. The Lord knew better: (“And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?” Job 1:8) However, allowed the enemy to take all that Job possessed.

 The LORD will at times allow us to be tested to prove what is in our hearts so we can be a bright shining testimony and light to others all around. We must consider this whenever hardship, despondency, or trials come our way. Also remember, the Lord will not allow the trail or hardship to be more than we are able to bear. (“There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.” I Cor. 10:13) The Lord knows this writer has failed so often. (Lord forgive me)

 First, the Sabeans came took all the oxen and asses and killed the servants. Secondly, a servant came in and exclaimed the fire of God came down and consumed the sheep and servants with them. Thirdly, the Chaldeans with bands came and took the camels and slew the servants with the sword. Then fourthly, a great wind came and destroyed the house where Job’s sons and daughters were eating and drinking in. The house fell upon them, and they perished. My oh my, if just this last event had happened to any of us, it would have been the end of us. Yet not with Job, a great man of patience and faith, (“Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, And said, Naked came I out of my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord. In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.”Job 1:20-22) Wow! What a bright and shining light of faith!

 Now, this wasn’t enough for the devil. He still accused Job before God and wanted to completely destroy Job. The Lord again knew better: (“And the Lord said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.” Job 2:3) Thus the Lord again allowed Job to be tried, allowing the devil to destroy Job’s health, but not to take his life. Job was covered with boils. Then his wife, one who is to support Job, came to him ridiculing him: (“Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die.” Job 2:9) Let us watch and be on guard for it may be those closest to us, friends, or relatives, that would cause us to fail in our faith to our mighty God.

 Next came to Job three of his so-called friends. They only accused Job of hypocrisy, pride, etc., just like the devil, the great accuser. They were no comfort to Job. We must take faith and patience in all aversity looking for our Blessed Hope Jesus Christ.

 We must also guard ourselves not to allow any offense or sin into our lives, that our enemy could use against us or accuse us of. Also, not to be quick to accuse or offend another. (“Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.” I Peter 3:8-9)

 Job through all these trials kept his integrity, patience, and faith in the all-loving, caring, merciful, and omniscient God of heaven and earth. (“But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job 23:10) Job’s comfort in patience and faith was the Lord our Redeemer, whom he knew we would one day see. (“For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me.” Job 19:25-28) Amen!

 Let us praise and thank the Lord for how great, merciful, and gracious He was unto Job and how He is now unto us. (“Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.” James 5:11)