Everything is going great for us and even our family is thriving. The job couldn't be better and we are making a profound difference in our community and everywhere we go. Suddenly, a season of suffering shows up that turns our world upside down. The worst part is we did nothing wrong to cause such calamities to raid our life. Even more upsetting is the absence of God's presence. It's as if He has forsaken us and left us alone. Yes, God goes silent on us. Sometimes our prayers go unanswered and awful things happen to good people. Beloved, His silence does not mean He has deserted you. It is our response in such times that we discover if we know who God is. Truth be told, we only feel He has abandoned us when we make our circumstances seem bigger than Him. Every time anybody magnifies their problems, they appear too hard for the Lord to conquer. This sets in motion feelings that nobody cares and you are fighting this battle by yourself.
God promises never to leave nor forsake us and he never reneges on His Word. Even Job came to realize this. Though the Lord gave Satan permission to invade his servant’s life, He knew Job’s end. He went through a horrific ordeal. His wife was overwhelmed with sorrow and grief and responded out of anger. (Job 2:9-10, NET). Their life was full and suddenly, without warnings, everything was gone. Even his friends were judgmental and unkind. Nothing they said brought comfort or encouragement. Can you imagine how alone he felt? Job and his wife did everything right and still lost everything. How does a person comprehend the ways of God when He permits such afflictions despite their righteousness?
In chapters 4-13, we read this compelling conversation between Job and his three friends. Eliphaz reminds him that the innocent prospers, but are not exempt from sorrow. Bildad says he should repent, and Zophar says he deserves worse. As the comment continues, they show no mercy, compassion, or kindness. From Chapters 15-31; their words are sharper than a double-edged sword. Then in Chapters 32-33, Elihu comes on the scene and rebukes these three associates and Job, then he precedes to magnify God. But in Chapter 38 - 41, something changes because God, who ignited this entire period of suffering Job is going through, comes on the scene. It was He who brought to the enemy’s attention how faithful and righteous Job was. (Job 1:6-8; 12). With a whirlwind of questions, Job would never be the same.
What do you do when the Lord sees something great enough in you to offer you as a sacrifice to the devil? Is your life worthy of such an honor? Are you among the chosen who God says; test my servant because I know he will stay blameless and an upright man who turns away from evil? I boast of my daughter's confidence because I know she will stay faithful no matter what.
Job, became discouraged, but he never lost His faith in God. He even says he would argue his case before the Lord and demanded they remain silent. (Job 13:1-5). Each time Job responded to these self-righteous men, he placed God on a pedestal and magnified His Holy name. He accepted his season of hardship because He realized we cannot receive the goodness of God without experiencing a time of sorrow. (Job 1:21). Job understood God had given him everything he had, and He had allowed the enemy to take it away for a divine purpose.
We have to ask ourselves as Job did; The same God that endows us with His goodness, will he not allow some burdens to come our way? The Lord knew something the devil didn’t, and that was Job would remain steadfast, regardless of his circumstances. If you take my livelihood, I’ll yet serve God. The enemy killed my kids and my wife tells me to curse God and die. Still, I shall not disown the Almighty because He has not abandoned me. God saw the victory while Job was in the struggle. When everything looked hopeless, the Lord had removed the mountain. He had to make a fool out of Satan, not for Job’s sake. It was so all the cynics would recognize He favors His servant and He shows them to be wrong.
In the end, God rebukes Eliphaz, the Temanite, and his two friends because of the foolishness of their hearts. He instructs them to take seven bulls and seven rams and go to Job and offer a burnt offering. He affirms them he would accept Job’s prayer on their behalf. (Job 42:7-9). They placed the wrong judgment on Job and now it’s the appeals of this righteous man who their lives depend upon. What a mighty God we serve. Afterward, the Lord restores God’s fortune and blessed him with a double for his trouble. (Job 42:10-17). Never undervalue God’s silence because He is always working behind the scenes in secret and He will never desert you. When He responds, you shall reap an abundance that far exceeds your needs.
I pray the musical selection; The Battle Belongs by Phil Wickman stirs your heart and faith in God.
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION:
Why do some people believe God should exempt hardships from entering their life?
What does the scripture mean that the Lord gives and He takes away?
Can you encourage someone today? Please comment on how this devotional inspired you, hit that heart, and share.
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