"In all this..."

“In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong.” (Job 1:22 ESV)

In the first chapter of Job, God offers Job to Satan so that Job may be tested. God had faith in Job, and like other disciples, He prayed Job’s faith would not fail. After losing all his livestock and having his children die at the hands of Satan, Job did not curse God or blame God for his loss and misfortunes. Quite incredible. Even Job’s wife questioned his unwavering dedication to God.

Job and his three friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, were reminded by the younger Elihu that, “Of a truth, God will not do wickedly, and the Almighty will not pervert justice” (34:12). God cannot commit evil. However, as in the case of Job, He ordains it for His purposes. This is something we should all remember.

Jesus was clear to His disciples that we who are in the world will experience trials and tribulations, persecution, and attacks.  Jesus said, “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.”(John 16:33). Many of us know this and may have experienced this truth in our lives.

Unfortunately, in dire times, many forget this. Troubles become overwhelming. Prayers are not answered. The spiral downward increases like a whirlpool. Many times, it is recognized by the enemy, who will use it to deceive. Not everything bad we experience comes from the enemy. In our limited free will, we make bad choices. The result of which many may experience immediately or later in their lives. But the negative experiences should mold us into the image of Christ. It is for this reason that God allows us to go through this process of tempering.

The issue becomes problematic when we turn to God in anger. Unlike Job, we blame God for our troubles, for not answering prayers, for the sovereign decisions He makes that negatively impact us. For some, this anger turns into a denial of the Lord. For those in the Lord who hold this burden to themselves, they may misinterpret scriptures that make them believe they have no hope, or that they have “lost their salvation.” They may receive incorrect information from a false teacher or one who lacks a biblical understanding of sin and redemption. This can be heartbreaking not only for those who believe what is not true but also for those God places in their path who recognize the needless sadness, guilt, and blame they have been carrying every day.

Brothers and Sisters, you cannot lose your salvation if you are truly made righteous by the Lord. Paul wrote,  “For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable.” (Romans 11:29). John also wrote, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can snatch them out of the Father’s hand.”(10:27-29). 

If you remember, Peter denied Christ three times just as Jesus had spoken. Peter had committed this sin out of fear, yet Christ forgave Peter. We may put forth a similar denial, out of anger or sadness, yet Christ forgives. Those who have accepted Christ as their Savior and repented of their sins will not be snatched from the hand of God. God loves His children and forgives repentant sinners. Like Job, who, in the end, questioned God, God reminded Job of His sovereignty, His absolute rule and authority over all things, and forgave him. We, too, can be forgiven.

Angry with God? Have the lies of the enemy made you feel unworthy, unloved, lost? If you know Christ, repent of your sins and cling to Christ. He is our anchor in the world's storms. If you do not know Christ, ask Him into your life, ask Him to save you from your sins, and make you righteous before God.

If you have questions about this text or any other, reach out to us here at In Messiah.

Grace and Peace.