Job was no stranger to affliction; his oxen, donkeys, and camels were stolen, his sheep and shepherds were burned by fire, his servants were murdered, and his ten children were killed. Sometimes we think we’re having a bad day, Job was having a bad day! A few days later even Job’s body was afflicted with boils. The book of Job is not only the story of his sufferings, the greater truth is the sovereignty of God. Don’t be surprised, God allowed Job to suffer.

    From the trials of Job we learn a very important biblical truth. Not all suffering and trials are caused by sin. Often God allows affliction in the life of His children so they may “come forth as gold”. Trials conform us into the image of the Lord Jesus Christ. Christian character is formed in the valleys of life. In the book of James we find, “Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” (James 1:4-5). Or in other words let God turn you into gold. God has a plan behind every tear. “Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby” (Hebrews 12:11).

    “If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as sons...” (Hebrews 12:7). So allow God to have his perfect work in your life. Be as Job, “In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.” (Job 1:22). He was submissive to the sovereign hand of God. If you are enduring a trial do not think it a strange thing or foolishly charge God. Be patient and trust in His supreme plan. Pray and ask Him what it is that you must learn from your troubles. Seek His face and understand it serves an eternal purpose. Find comfort in the fact that Satan cannot harm you unless God allows. God has something wonderful up His sleeves. Did Job ever come forth as gold?  “So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning.” (Job 42:12).
                                                                                                                                                        Josh Greene
                                                                                                                                                            8-23-09