A couple days ago I spent my quiet time reading from the book of Job. In the 2nd chapter we find out that Satan had just spoke with God concerning God’s servant Job. Satan was convinced the only reason Job gave praise to God was because of everything God had blessed Job with; his family, his successful business , and even hisvgood health. And keep in mind, Job had already lost everything at this point except for his health. So Satan’s conclusion was:
“Skin for skin! Yes, all that a man has he will give for his life. But stretch out Your hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will surely curse You to Your face!” (Job 2:4-5).
God gave Satan permission to do whatever to him, except TAKE HIS LIFE. So what was Satan’s plan? It was to strike Job with crazy, painful boils all around his body. Now, I thank God for my wife when I’m sick. She takes good care of me even though I’m very needy. But Job’s wife here…wasn’t so sympathetic. Listen to her loving, encouraging words she shared with Job;
“Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!” (Job2:9).
Job, had a great response:
“Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips” (Job 2:10).
I couldn’t help but to marvel at Job’s faith in God. If you think about it, Job did a pretty epic job at silencing Satan’s accusations against him and settled once in for all that Jesus, the creator of the cosmos is worthy of our praise NO MATTER WHAT! That’s why our faith rests in God, and not the circumstances of life. And the reasons we know this is true is because circumstances ALWAYS change but God NEVER changes:
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).
Warren Wiersbe had a pretty interesting quote regarding this topic:
“Our faith and obedience must not be a ‘commercial’ relationship between us and God. We must love the Giver and not just the gifts; for to love the gifts and not the Giver is the essence of idolatry” (Warren Wiersbe).
Well, the day after I read from Job I started experiencing some back pains. I assumed it was because I slept awkwardly the night before. To my surprise the pain kept getting increasingly worse. After two hours it become sooo painful that it was unbearable to even exhale or inhale. It turns out I had a misplaced rib and I don’t wish that pain on anyone! And as all this was happing, the Lord reminded me of what Job said:
“Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?”
“Wow. Okay God, you’re right!”
My wife and I are quickly approaching launching Declaration Church in Mount Pleasant SC. I know Satan doesn’t take that lightly and because of it, I have a big target on the back of my head along with my family. But I also know this is an opportunity for my faith to increase.
“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter” (1 Peter 4:12-13,16).
If you want to be obedient and follow God whole-heartedly you’re gonna face opposition and trials, but Jesus is still on the throne. God is still on the throne and I can say that with authority because God’s Word speaks the truth! And here’s the truth, obedience to God results in persecution;
“Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12).
Instead of cursing God and questioning, “Why is this happening to me!?” Ask God, “How can I praise you even in the midst of this trial?” When our faith is being tested, our love for Christ is being tested too.
“But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).
Please pray for my family and I as our faith will be challenged planting Declaration Church.
