Job, Another Man Who Waited on God
Perhaps we have heard of the patience of Job, but I believe he learned patience through his suffering and hardships. Many years later Paul wrote,
“Let us also rejoice in sufferings: because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance produces character, and character produces hope that does not disappoint us: because God has poured out His love in our hearts through the Holy Spirit, whom He has given.” Romans 5: 4.
If we read the book of Job, we find that because at Satan’s suggestion to God, Job lost all his earthly possessions including his children. But take note that Satan couldn’t do any of this without God’s permission. But through all his loss, Job remained faithful to God. When his wife had all she could tolerate, she told Job to curse God and die. But his response was though He slay me; yet will I trust Him!
During Job’s waiting, and after sitting with him seven days, his three so called friends, told him if he would repent and confess his sins, that God would help him. Over and over Job declared his innocence, but finally admitted his sin and said who is he that hides counsel without knowledge: because he had heard of God, but now knows Him and repents.
Through Job’s suffering, He came to know God in a personal way and as believers, you and I have had the same experience. It may not occur in the same way and circumstances, but they that wait on the Lord, as He directs will be blessed. The following is one of my favorite verses about waiting:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding: in all your ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct your path.” Proverbs 3: 5-6.
When God’s children realize they are receiving suffering and heartache because of sin or unwise decisions, it is not so difficult to understand, but when we are trying to serve the best we know how and trials and testing come, we may wonder and ask why? But James wrote,
“We count them happy who endure: you have heard it said of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that He is long suffering, and very compassionate and of tender mercy.” James 5: 11.
Heavenly Father, help us trust You for patience to wait while You accomplish Your will in our lives; and give us the faith to say: “Though You slay me: yet will I trust You.” We thank You and pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
