Ever had a bad day? A bad week? Month? Year? Consider a man from scripture, Job (rhymes with robe), whom Satan went personally to God to secure permission to torment. Job had seven sons and three daughters as well as 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, 500 donkeys, and a large number of servants. He was the greatest man among all the people of the East. Maybe he had a bit more than you. But see the account:
“One day when Job’s sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby 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!”
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 t tell you!”
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!”
While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said, “Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking at the oldest brother’s house 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!”
On top of that, Satan visited God again and gained permission to afflict Job’s body with sores galore.
When I first read this in Dec. 1977, I thought each servant was making up a story. But it was really happening! Here’s the scoop. After being granted permission by God, Satan went straight to work stripping Job of all his possessions and afflicted him hoping he’d curse God to the face. But what did Job do? He remained faithful. He immediately worshipped God and acknowledged that He gives and takes away; unlike his wife who told him to curse God and drop dead! What would you do? It’s not an easy thing.
Life can be dandy but if you serve God, there may come a time when Satan will want to “sift you as wheat” (Luke 22:31).
Like Job, don’t deny God. Worship Him and trust Him. After all the trials, God restored Job’s losses and health. He doubled his possessions, except, of course, the number of kids-ten again! Read the account in the Book of Job; right after the book of Esther.
Count Your Blessings!
Sam