The Trials of Job

Job 1: 6-22

6 One day the angels[a] came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan[b] also came with them. 7 The Lord said to Satan, “Where have you come from?”

Satan answered the Lord, “From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it.”

8 Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.”

9 “Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied. 10 “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. 11 But now stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.”

12 The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.”

Then Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.

13 One day when Job’s sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, 14 a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, 15 and the Sabeans attacked and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”

16 While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned up the sheep and the servants, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”

17 While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”

18 While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said, “Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, 19 when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”

20 At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship 21 and said:

“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
    and naked I will depart.[c]
The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away;
    may the name of the Lord be praised.”

22 In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.

Oh, Job! A man to be admired. I can't imagine the grief and pain, the heartache and overwhelming frustration, and the fear that Job endured at the loss of his 10 children, his servants and his wealth. Not only did he lose all these things, but he lost them in one day. And as if that's not enough satan went back to God and asked to take Job's his life. God allows satan to inflict severe pain and sickness on Job, but did not allow the loss of his life. Yes, Job is a man to be admired. His faith was tested and he grew greatly in faith and love for the Lord. But it didn't come easily. Job had to walk through the pain, the grief, and the rebuilding.
I feel for Job as he cries out asking God to explain why this is happening. Through it all Job grew in patience, faith, and more understanding of how God works. Job learned to ask what was to be learned instead of why it was happening.

Yet, the hero in the story is God! God knew Job's heart. He knew that Job would not turn away. He knew that Job would grow and not be destroyed under the pressure. God was patient as Job searched. God didn't grow angry as Job shouted out in pain and fear. God loved him through it! Oh, the love of our God.

Oh, God, the way you sees the circumstances of this life are beyond our understanding. Lord, Teach us to ask 'what' and not 'why' in the trials. Help us to keep our focus on you and deepen our faith as we walk through the messes, pains, and struggles that come our way. Amen