THE STORY OF JESUS: Job 1-2
“Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!” (Job 2:9)
What strikes me in this passage is how the adversary works.
Satan (meaning ‘adversary’) wants to knock down Job’s faith, hope and love.
In this instance, he uses disaster and suffering to defeat him.
His tactics work on Jobs wife, and she becomes an ally for Satan.
I am not blaming Job’s wife, just noticing how the enemy works.
The same tactics are behind the recent Las Vegas massacre.
Many people are taking the opportunity to curse God.
What other ways does Satan use to undermine my faith, hope or love?
Distraction, disappointment, difficulty with other believers, love of pleasure?
But what is the alternative… curse God and die?
Isn’t this what is happening to many – despairing of life, taking their lives?
Without God, nothing makes sense; at least with God there is hope.
I get the pressure to question, doubt, give in, run away…
But I know who is behind it, and I’d rather take my chances with God, than him.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, in moments of weakness or doubt, I see You on the cross, not giving up. You overcame by faith hope and love, and I choose to do the same!
Job was a blameless and upright – a man of integrity.
Job prayed for his family members.
At all times he served the Lord – in all circumstances.
I too need to be a person of integrity – serving the Lord at all times seeing the hand of the Lord at work
I too need to pray for my family that they walk in His ways.
And my family is larger than my blood children – it is for His people everywhere and more – bringing their needs and direction to the Lord in prayer so that God’s name may be praised. As His child it also pains us what is happening in the world today. I/we need to pray for the people at all times and in all circumstances.
And at all times I need to look for the hand of God at work.
This is my Father’s world.
This is my Father’s world:
Oh, let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world,
The battle is not done:
Jesus who died shall be satisfied,
And earth and Heav’n be one.