11/04/2020
In Job chapter one, verse one we read In the land of Uz there lived a man whose name was Job. This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil.
Basically, the only thing we know about this guy is that he is a Godly man.
So, the story goes that Satan approaches God for permission to test Job
9 “Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied. 10 “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. 11 But now stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.”
12 The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.”
Notice that Satan cannot operate outside of God’s will and design.
The rest of the chapter records a series of horrible incidents. The animals and servants are taken or killed, from raiding armies and a fire that came from the sky. Then a wind c
]io-=ame which brought down the house that Job’s children were in, killing all of them!
20 At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship 21 and said:
“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
and naked I will depart.[c]
The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away;
may the name of the Lord be praised.”
22 In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.
This could have ben a continuation of the praising from the pit series but that’s not really the focus of this message. However, it’s worth pointing out that in the midst of God allowing Satan to just dump out all the pieces to the puzzle of Job’s life, Job’s response shows that none of that would prevent Him from turning away from God.
What a powerful message! Job knew that this life is only temporary. Our possessions are only temporary. It’s easy to wonder what God is doing here but Job knew he would be reunited with his family on the other side!
Your current situation is not the indicator of God’s presence!
Unfortunately it gets worse…
Later, in chapter 2, Satan is allowed to curse Job with a skin irritation (boils).
4 “Skin for skin!” Satan replied. “A man will give all he has for his own life. 5 But now stretch out your hand and strike his flesh and bones, and he will surely curse you to your face.”
6 The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, he is in your hands; but you must spare his life.”
Notice again that Satan can only operate within the parameters which God sets!
9 His wife said to him, “Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!”
(Pause here for a moment. How would you respond?)
10 He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?”
In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.
Once again, Job continually turns TO God when his life is falling apart. When the puzzle pieces are all over the place and you don’t even know where to start, TURN TO GOD!
Job did not let his current situation be the primary indicator of whether God was with him or not. He knew, no matter what, God was with him!
So, in conclusion, when life seems to be falling apart and the puzzle pieces are all over the place, we need to remember:
Satan cannot operate outside of God’s will and design!
We must turn TO God, rather than away!
You always have your integrity!
