Trust The Lord

Job 2:2

And the Lord said to Satan, 'Where have you come from?' Satan answered the Lord, 'From roaming throughout the earth, going back and forth on it.'

I am currently reading the bible in chronological order again, in this format, the scriptures are ordered as they relate to events in historical sequence. For instance, you will read Genesis 1-11 and skip into the book of Job, and read all 42 chapters before returning to Genesis 12-50. I enjoy reading the bible in chronological order, it creates a vivid picture of time, place, and context; it's just like a giant stage, so well choreographed, it's fun to see who enters and exits as each story unfolds.

The events recorded in the book of Job occur in the times of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. To summarize, Job is a wealthy man living in a land called Uz with his large family and extensive flocks...Satan challenges God to give him permission to torment Job to see if Job will curse God. Ultimately, Job lost everything, including his family, his health, wealth, and his desire to live, he endured many tragedies and hardships while struggling to remain faithful.

After tremendous suffering, Job proves that his faith in God was not a condition of all he had; after losing everything, Job 20 & 21 tells us that "Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head, and he fell to the ground and worshiped. He said, Naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord."

Although it seems difficult to understand, after all that Job had lost, the story ends with Job receiving his wealth returned two-fold, having another 10 children and living for another 140 years; "And Job died, an old man and full of days." Job 42:10

Closing Thoughts

During this present time, many of us are facing uncertainty for what our future holds, it may seem that God has stepped away from the scene and has allowed Satan to have his way with us. God may allow us to be tested and tried, but the true moral of the book of Job is that we must trust God even though we don't know what's going on behind the scenes in our life. Like Job, God wants us to trust Him and not give up hope when all may seem lost.

Job 42:1-2

I know that You can do all things, And that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.

Job 42:5-6

I have heard of You by the hearing of ears; But now my eye sees You; Therefore I retract, and I repent in dust and ashes.