Day 118 – Job: A man tested

“All right, you may test him,” the Lord said to Satan. “Do whatever you want with everything he possesses, but don’t harm him physically.” So Satan left the Lord’s presence.” Job 1:17 NLT

Reading Job 1:1 to Job 2:13

Through no fault of his own, Job lost his wealth, children, and health. Even his friends were convinced that Job had brought this suffering upon himself. For Job, perhaps the greatest trial was not the pain or the loss but being unable to understand why God allowed him to suffer. Suffering can be a penalty for sin, but it isn’t always. And prosperity isn’t always a reward for being good. Those who love God are not exempt from trouble. Although we may not fully understand the reasons for the pain we experience, it can lead us to rediscover or deepen our relationship with God.

Satan’s plan was to drive a wedge between Job and God by getting Job to believe that God’s governing of the world was not just or good. He had to ask God for permission to take Job’s wealth, children, and health away. We must learn to recognise but not fear Satan’s attacks because Satan cannot exceed the limits that God sets. Don’t let any experience drive a wedge between you and God. Although you cannot control how Satan may attack, you can always choose how you will respond when it happens.

Prayer: Father, thank You that we learn from Job’s testing to seek You more and not move away from You. In difficult times, may we rediscover and deepen our relationship with you. Amen.