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Blessed Are Those Who Mourn – Part 2

“The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.”¹

We ended yesterday’s devotional with how God met me where I was one night and allowed me to understand the story of Job in new ways. Today we are going to look at a few of the points God brought to my mind.

First, God did not allow all these things in Job’s life to punish him for his disobedience. Rather, God allowed it because of Job’s faithfulness. God tells Satan this: “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.”² God uses every situation in our lives as a testimony. When we are faithfully seeking God, we become a threat to the devil and he sees the need to attack us. If we don’t suffer attacks, perhaps we should be worried!

Second, God had to give Satan permission to touch Job. The Bible says, “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.”³ Later, Satan asks permission to touch his skin, and God gives him permission but tells Satan to spare his life.  God has complete control of our lives even when we feel that everything is out of control. As Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Nothing can touch us unless God allows it, and if He allows it, you can be sure it is for a purpose.

Third, Job kept his integrity. In Job 2:9 his wife tells him, “Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!” Job’s response is simple yet powerful. He answers in Job 2:10, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” Although we may not understand what God is doing or why he is allowing the pain, it is important to recall all the blessings and not only the struggles. God is good. God is God and we are His children. During the 5 months I carried my son, I found myself often telling God, “Even if this hurts, I still love you. I can’t do this alone.” When we keep honoring God in the midst of trials, God will show up in powerful ways.

Tomorrow we will conclude this series on mourning.

Suggested Prayer: “Dear God, in times of pain and suffering, allow me to know that you are still in control. Help me believe that if you are allowing this in my life, it is for a purpose. I choose to keep honoring you while I wait for the outcome. Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

 

1.       Job 1:21-22 (NIV).

2.       Job 1:8 (NIV).

3.       Job 1:12 (NIV).