A Test of Faith - Job 1

Let's get one thing out of the way early... I struggle with the Book of Job. It is a difficult read with many things that I don't understand. My view of God is challenged by His actions towards Job (or lack of action). But, let's put my struggles aside and see what we can learn about God and His servant Job and see if we can make applications to our lives.
In Chapter 1, we are introduced to Job. He is a great man of faith and has received Gods' blessings in all areas of his life. He is husband, father, businessman, leader, servant, teacher and faithful follower of God. To quote the text, "He was the greatest man among all the people of the East". He is presented to us as the nearly perfect man. Of course we know he had his faults, but they are not in view in the introduction.
After a short introduction to the man, we are taken on a quick trip to the throne room of God. His angels are assembling for a meeting and Satan shows up. Seems like an odd assembly. Satan tells God that he has been checking out the earth and God says, "Did you notice Job? He is a nearly perfect servant of Mine".
Satan gives an interesting response... "Do you think he does all that out of the goodness of his heart? He does that because you pamper him!".
A couple of things worth noting. First, Satan recognizes that blessings are from God. Job has received God's provision and protection. Secondly, Satan questions whether Job is a righteous man because of the blessings. Two things to ponder as you move forward in Job... is Job good because of what God has done for him or is God blessing Job because he is good?
God turns Satan loose to remove the blessings to examine the character of Job. Without the stuff, is Job going to lose faith? When the wealth is gone, when the family is gone does faith leave him? And so it begins, one messenger after another bringing him the bad news of catastrophe. His possessions gone, his children dead and his life changed in ways that we have seen at times around the world. Earthquake, tsunami, hurricane, tornado; events that forever alter the lives of those involved.
When these events happen, those of great character rise to the occasion. I am always amazed when the woman who stands among the ruins of her life with only the cloths on her back and talks about starting over and how thankful she is to have survived. Or, the man digging through the rubble of his home looking for the bodies of his loved ones, yet remains hopeful that life will still bring good things.
Job responds to the lose of family and wealth this way, Job got to his feet, ripped his robe, shaved his head, then fell to the ground and worshiped: Naked I came from my mother’s womb, naked I’ll return to the womb of the earth. God gives, God takes. God’s name be ever blessed. Not once through all this did Job sin; not once did he blame God. He worships God. (silence for a moment of thought) He worships God!
In his response, Job forces us to remember that what we have here, on Earth is not all there is. When the stock market tanks and we lose our savings. When burglars break in and steal our possessions. When death visits our loved ones. Whatever the circumstances are in our lives that make us question God... may we remember Job. His perspective is the right one! Will it hurt? Sure. Will we cry? Probably. Will we continue to trust our Creator? I hope so!
Sometimes our lives are running smoothly, everything is good...the hedge of protection is strong. At other times, we are faced with tragedy and the bumps of life are big... the hedge of protection is still strong! We live in a broken world. Sin has had it's effect and our lives show the scars. But, in all of the struggles, in all of the lose, in all of the pain... God is still there. Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake. (Deut 31:6) He will never leave nor forsake you!


May we choose to worship in the storms of life! There is a great little song that comes to mind while I contemplate these verses. Casting Crowns gives their take on our response when tragedy comes our way... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EjZBZv_771o