Today, I want to take some time to look at the story of Job from the Bible. What does a Job like faith and trusting God look like in our lives? Last week, I wrote about an adoption story (click here to read it) and that story led me to think about parallels between that story and Job’s story. I know in my life God has restored many parts of my life once I put all my trust in Him. But, let’s look at the story of Job.
Job Summary
At the beginning of the book of Job is a scene in heaven where Satan stands before God. God asks Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job?” (Job 1:8), and Satan immediately accuses Job, a righteous man, of fearing God only because God had prospered him. “Strike everything he has,” Satan says, “and he will surely curse you to your face” (Job 1:11 NIV). God grants Satan limited permission to put Job to the test. (https://www.gotquestions.org/Book-of-Job.html)
Job loses everything, all his wealth, health, family, servants, and property. Throughout the book, we see Job’s struggles to understand his situation. But Job never curses God or gives up his faith and God restores all the things he lost. There are so many questions about this story for me but I want to focus on the question; “Can I still trust God when I suffer some kind of loss?”
My Job Like Faith
If you’ve followed me for a while, you know the story of losing our son when he was just nine days old. My anger burned towards God and left me questioning Him, but I never stopped believing. I knew God still loved me and I kept trudging forward. I continued to follow God and his calling in my life. Now, many years later, through the ministry he provided, many orphans call me mom. I lost one child and God gave me many more to care for and love like he loves me. And even if God had not provided me the ministry to orphans, I know he will reward me and replace everything lost once I get to Heaven.
Other Job Stories
A friend shared a story about someone he knew. They had a lawn care business. The man stored many chemicals at his company and one day they caught fire. He lost everything and, to add to his problems; he found out that his insurances had lapsed. But instead of turning away from God, he turned to God for help. After some time, he figured out a way to treat lawns without all the harsh chemicals. Soon, he was back in business and his process kept dangerous substances out of the water supply.
[bctt tweet=”Can I still trust God when I suffer some kind of loss?”]
Wrap Up
Bad things will happen in our lives. Jesus even prepared us for this in John 16:33 (NIV); “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” How we respond to these situations is key. Do we give up and run away from God or do we run towards God? Running to God assures us that someday, maybe not during our lifetime on earth, he will restore everything to us. So, hold on and don’t give up on God. He never gives up on us.
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
James 1:12 (NIV).
Your Turn
Have you experienced a Job situation in your life and if so, how did you respond?
Prayer for Job Like Faith
Dear Heavenly Father. I know you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted. Give me strength to carry on when all feels lost and help me trust in all your promises. I want a faith like Job’s, one that never gives up. Thank you for all the blessings I have in my life. I will praise your name forever. In Christ’s most Holy Name. Amen.
What an important question for each of us to ask ourselves Ms. Yvonne. Do we have enough faith to trust God through the hard things? What experiences can we look back upon and see God’s presence through it. If you can’t see Him in those bad times, then perhaps you weren’t looking for Him. Loved this post ma’am, may we all grow to have a Job-like faith.
Thanks JD. If we always look, we will see Christ because He is right there with us in every situation. I can’t imagine trying to go through the tough stuff without Him. God bless.
Hi Yvonne, I have gone through Job situations that were not even a speck compared to what he went through. But I failed at keeping Job’s eyes-on-God posture. Hmm… think I need to re-read Job. It’s been awhile. Great post, thank you!
Thank you Vera. I mentioned my success in the post but there have been many failures along the way too. That’s why it is a blessing to get a new day to try again. God’s love and grace stays with us in all circumstances. Good bless.
I am thankful to know the love of God. Without His presence, I would have no hope. Yet, with His presence and love, I can find hope in the most difficult times. 🙂
Amen Melissa. He is where I find my Hope in difficult times too. God bless.
It can be so so hard to seek and trust God when we are in the depths of pain, when we cannot even imagine a way through. But we can truly trust God, and later, we often find new spark of joy we never would have experienced.
I believe so too Jessica. Thank you for visiting and commenting. God bless
You’ve inspired me to approach my recent bad situation with my website by praying and handing it over to the Lord. He’s the only One who can keep anything safe.
Amen. I did think of you as I write the post. I know God has it all planned out and He will provide all you need. Keep looking up. God bless
God has always bolstered my in my Job circumstances. He’s gracious enough to allow me to bring all my questions, complaints, and, yes, my whining to Him. Then I’ve seen Him step in and walk through it all with me.
Great testimony Annie and very true. It gets easier as we look back during our struggles. God bless