Lessons in Job 1

I started reading Job yesterday. Not to share too much personal information, but I received some difficult news that will equate to an eventual loss. Could be sooner, could be later, but ultimately the loss will happen.

Job lost almost everything, and then suffered personal suffering of which I will probably never experience and still glorified God and did not blame God for his loss.

Several years ago, I faced a loss. I was pregnant and wasn't able to carry to term and ended up losing what I would find out was a son. I did not take this loss with grace. So wanting to prepare myself for an upcoming loss, I wanted to study the book of Job.

1 There was a man in the country of Uz named Job. He was a man of complete integrity, who feared God and turned away from evil.

Can you imagine living in such a way, that God says you have COMPLETE integrity? How? He Feared God and Turned away from evil.

The chapter goes on to detail Job's family line and possession suffice it to say the man was rich beyond most. In fact the bible literally says:

3...Job was the greatest man among all the people of the east.

He had a heart for God, so much so that he would provide offerings for his family in case they sinned.

Then chapter 1 highlights a conversation between The Lord and Satan.

The Lord asks Satan a thought-provoking question.

8... “Have you considered my servant Job? No one else on earth is like him, a man of perfect integrity, who fears God and turns away from evil.”

To be spoken of so highly of by the Lord is a goal I'm reaching for, and I know I mess up daily. At this Satan basically scoffs saying Job is only so faithful, because of all the blessings God has bestowed on Him.

That made me think. Am I only grateful on the good days? I am ashamed at how I handled some of the hard times.

At times I have completely turned my back on God. But God's grace prevails, and I have turned my life around in such a way that I desire to live a life that pleases God.

But is Job like me? Does he only praise God when the goings are good?

Not at all!!

And we see that throughout Job but the first chapter just details his initial test.

God gives the devil permission to place an attack on Jobs life.

12 “Very well,” the Lord told Satan, “everything he owns is in your power. However, do not lay a hand on Job himself.” So Satan left the Lord’s presence.

God is still in control.

No matter what comes our way.

Remember that!!

In one fell swoop (wait that's Shakespeare not Job) Satan took.

All His oxen and donkeys

All His sheep and servants (except those that escaped to tell)

All His Camels

Oh and His Children

Jobs response??

20 Then Job stood up, tore his robe, and shaved his head. He fell to the ground and worshiped, 21 saying: Naked I came from my mother’s womb and naked I will leave this life.[c] The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the name of the Lord. 22 Throughout all this Job did not sin or blame God for anything.[d]

When I faced loss.

I questioned God "Why me?"

I was just plain mad at God.

But notice that Job did nothing of the sort. He accepted his losses. Granted I'm sure he was DEVESTATED. It's not a sin to be sad.

But He didn't curse God. he WORSHIPPED him!

God help me to be just as grateful for what you've given me that I don't lose sight of my worship.