ADVANTAGES IN ADVERSITY

PSALMIST CHALLENGE: PSALM 76-80

PROVERBS CAPSULE: PROVERBS 16

What is the true purpose for which the Book of Job was written? If one critically examines chapters 1 and 2 and compare it with chapter 42, put aside for a moment the main body, he is struck by one fact. Job’s latter years are better than his former years. Even though he is righteous, respected, prosperous, and surrounded by a loving family in the beginning, at the end he is even more so. In addition to greater material prosperity, he has a better understanding of God, and consequently a deeper faith.

If we turn to the discussions which make up the body of the book, we learn just how much his understanding of and relationship with God improve by chapter 42. These facts give us the clue to the primary purpose of the book. The main subject of Job is not suffering, but spiritual growth. Job, the blameless and perfect man, could still increase his knowledge of God. Job, the wealthy and happy man, could increase the joy and rewards of his life. How? Through the refiner’s fire of suffering. Adversities in our lives are not meant to break us, but to make us better and in short give us a proper perspective about God.

The realization that one such as Job still had the potential of growth should encourage each of us. There are times when it seems that we cannot make it any higher, that we have achieved all that we will ever be able to. Job stands as an example of unlimited potential. We also are made aware that God was unwilling for Job to cease growing, but provided opportunity for him to reach new levels of faith and knowledge. Surely, He is just as willing for us to grow spiritually. Whatever you find contrary in your life, even when you are trying your best to be steadfast for God, you must know that God want you to grow spiritually.

It is God who brings Job to Satan’s attention, not the other way round (Job 1:8). Satan has come into God’s presence and by his very appearance issued a challenge. God accepts Satan’s challenge, offering Job as an appropriate arena for the contest between them. Does this mean that God does not love Job, that he is just a pawn between two players? Certainly not. There must be something in the actions of God which is to Job’s benefit. Otherwise, Job’s later accusations that God is uncaring and arbitrary would be true. But Job does benefit. He grows spiritually and is rewarded materially through and because of his experiences. There is a side of God you need to know which might not come if you are too comfortable. Ship builders may use any other trees for the body part, but not the ship mast.

Word Affirmation: “He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake." - Psalm 23:3 (Don't just say it, mean it!)

“There is a side of God you need to know which might not come if you are too comfortable."

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