Bible Reading: Job 1-3; Acts 7:1-19
“But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.” – Job 1:11
This is the statement from Satan in accusation against Job before God, insisting that Job’s godliness is essentially because of what he is benefiting from God. Sometimes in life, the hardest trials come because one wants to live a righteous life: In the first chapter of the book of Job, we see that Satan, or the devil/accuser of the brethren, comes before God after he has been going “to and fro throughout the earth.” As always looking for someone who he could devour, as described by Peter in 1Peter 5:8. Perhaps he was looking for a challenge, for there were likely many in that day that he could have easily enticed. But when he comes before God, God suggested Job. Because Job was one of the most righteous men on earth at the time. God says “there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil.” God basically handed Job into the hand of Satan, because He knew he was a very righteous man. God knew that Job would not fail, and that’s why He presented him to the accuser. Satan would not be able to accuse him. Satan should have known this from the beginning when God suggested Job, but he tries anyway, to no avail “In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly.”- Job 1:22.
The same way Satan brings trials the way of believers today in different guises. James tells us that we should be joyful when we fall into various trials, for they will produce steadfastness in developing our faith and lacking nothing. “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 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 1:2-4.
Being righteous does not exempt or protect us from falling into struggles in life. But it will deliver us through life challenges, by the grace of God. We should not be discouraged when hard times hit, but rather view them as an opportunity to overcome through grace in the finished work of Christ.
Prayer: Father, grant me the strength and faith to overcome every challenges of life in Jesus Name.
Pastor Alfred Samuel