Lessons From Job

Reading through the book of Job, I was struck by a few things. No injuries. Lol! But they are good reminders for us, every day of our lives. 

First, God blesses those who love Him.

In chapter one we read, "He was the greatest man among all the people of the East." He had a wife and ten kids, and tons of livestock, but the most important thing about Job was that "he feared God and was blameless and upright." (verse 1)

The second thing we can learn is that God watches over us. 

This becomes apparent when God says, "Have you considered my servant Job?" God not only tracks our actions and thoughts but He knows us by name!

Thirdly, God allows pain and suffering in our lives.

Why? To teach. In this book, God teaches Satan a lesson, Job's three friends, and Job himself.

The fourth thing we can notice is that God gives us friends, who walk with us through tough times. And even though Job's friends didn't always offer the most constructive ideas, they did come to be with their friend. They sat with him and listened to him rant and complain. In short, they loved him.

The fifth thing we can see is near the end of the book, when God speaks. God reminds Job and his friends that God is in control. God created all things and knows all things. Nothing happens without God allowing it.

And the sixth thing we can learn from reading Job is that God will continue to bless those who love Him. Especially through the hard times.

It's easy to praise God when things are going well. Not so much, when times are hard and not going according to OUR plans.

Jesus reminds us of this when He said in Matthew 24:13, "the one who endures to the end will be saved."

The entire world is going through a tough time right now. Wars, rumors of wars, earthquakes, pestilences. It's all prophesied  in the Bible. But those who have faith in God, and who have faith in His Son, Jesus, will be saved.

Let us praise God through the storms we face in life. Because, just like with Job, we will be doubly blessed because of our enduring faith.

Praise You In This Storm - Casting Crowns