trials

In the book of Job, chapter 1, we are introduced to a man named Job, who was "blameless and upright" and "feared God and shunned evil." He was blessed with a large family, great wealth, and fame throughout the region. Then one day, it all comes crashing down - his fortune and ten children torn from him in a rapid barrage of bad news from out-of-breath messengers who narrowly escaped the sword and two natural disasters. Job's response? He fell to the ground and worshipped.

Many times in my own life I feel like Job. Not that I'm anywhere near being blameless, or have experienced immense tragedy and grief... but I feel like I have been blessed so richly and have been guarded from so much of the anguish I see others stricken with that Satan must see me as a very ripe target like he did Job.

"... Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. But stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!" Job 1:10-11 (Satan speaking to God about Job)

Lately I've been reminded of how close to the precipice our lives and the things we hold dear truly are. A friend of mine was killed in a car accident in January; he was born two and a half months after I was, was married just a few short years, and left behind a wife who is now burdened with a crushing grief that I can only begin to fathom. If I was faced with the same situation she now is, I'm sure I'd be falling to the ground, but I don't know about worshipping.

In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been greived by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:6-7

If I was to be tested by such a fire, would my faith be found genuine, or would I curse God and fall back into a sinful and frivolous life? I know what I want my answer to be, but I can't imagine where my mind would be after such a jarring loss.

The book of Job makes clear that God is firmly in control of the situation; He sets strict limits on what Satan may use to afflict Job. Job was not privy to this information at the time, but God has revealed this to us that we may be encouraged when we face similar struggles. We may not know God's purposes, but we do know Satan is accountable to God and nothing happens that God does not allow.

... God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. 1 Corinthians 10:13

He will not send anything our way that he has not given us the strength to bear, just as He knew Job's faith was strong enough to pass through the fire. Nevertheless, we still have free will, and it is up to us to claim the power we are given; we can still fail, but we can succeed if we only choose to.