Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.
When we’re first introduced to Job we note a good man generous with his support for the needy, and successful in his business. It appears that Job has it all for he’s wealthy and wise with a supportive family.
We are faced with the inevitable question, why do bad things happen to good people?
When life appears to inflict endless misery upon us sufficient to test our faith in God there is the predictable cry, why me, God?
Job 31:16 (NIV)
If I have denied the desires of the poor
or let the eyes of the widow grow weary
Job was driven to despair when losing his fortune, and position in his local community resulting in his family, and many of his closest friends deserting him.
God tested the faith of Job by reminding his faithful child that his trials had exposed to the light all those who had abandoned him when his supply of money had exhausted.
Our periods of adversity reveal to us the insecurities of life when at one time believing that our good times would last our life time.
Job did not lose everything for he was able to depend upon his much reduced circumstances to provide him with shelter, clothing, and food. A few friends remained loyal despite their tendency to remind him that his destitution was his own fault.
Throughout his lean years Job maintained his trust in God despite complaining that he had done nothing to deserve so much suffering.
Job remained an honorable man when his faith in God was tested to breaking, for daily he recalled his earlier life when he wanted for nothing.
Job's fortunes were eventually restored the result of him continuing to follow God's advice in all matters. God remained at Job's side throughout his adversities being well aware that Job would continue to listen to His voice guiding him to remain patient, and endure his suffering being rewarded daily with a growing awareness that true friendship can never be bought with money.
Job 42:2, 5-6 – “I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted. I had heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You, therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.”
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