Life Is Difficult, Be Strong

Text: Job 1:2-10

And there were born unto him seven sons and three daughters.
His substance also was seven thousand sheep, and three thousand camels, and five hundred yoke of oxen, and five hundred she asses, and a very great household; so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east.
And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them.
And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.
Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan came also among them.
And the LORD said unto Satan, Whence comest thou? Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, From going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.
And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil?
Then Satan answered the LORD, and said, Doth Job fear God for nought?
Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.

Source

Life is difficult, but reading through and studying the principles in the Book of Job can help us in several ways. First, the book can help us to see that God is still God. Whatever happens in life, God is still God! Everything that happened to Job in the book occurred because God allowed it to happen or did not stand in the way of its happening. Regardless of what we face in life, God is still on His throne, He is still in control, He is still for us (Romans 8:31), and He still wants us to praise Him and be faithful to Him.

Second, the Book of Job can help us to have a deeper relationship with God. When tragedies occur, some people are driven toward God while others are driven away from God. Job was driven toward God; he asked questions and expressed his hurts, anger, frustrations to God and that was okay. God could handle it. Ultimately, Job was left with a sense of God's power and awesomeness, and he was drawn'closer to God as a result of going through this horrible experienCe. Romans 5:3-4 says that “tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope.”

Third, the Book of Job can help us always to praise God and never to take our blessings for granted. Who gave Job his wealth, his sheep and other animals, his children, and his health? It was God. James 1: 17 says, “Every good and perfect gift is fromabove.” What a blessing to have a wife and ten precious children. What a blessing to Ive in close proximity to his children. What a blessing to have children who enjoyed being together. What a blessing to be able to approach the throne of God freely on behalf of his family. Job was a blessed man, and we are also blessed.

Job 1:10-21

Hast not thou made an hedge about him, and about his house, and about all that he hath on every side? thou hast blessed the work of his hands, and his substance is increased in the land.
But put forth thine hand now, and touch all that he hath, and he will curse thee to thy face.
And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power; only upon himself put not forth thine hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.
And there was a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house:
And there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them:
And the Sabeans fell upon them, and took them away; yea, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.
While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The fire of God is fallen from heaven, and hath burned up the sheep, and the servants, and consumed them; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.
While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, The Chaldeans made out three bands, and fell upon the camels, and have carried them away, yea, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.
While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house:
And, behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men, and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.
Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped,
And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.

Our God has Opened up the windows of heaven and poured out His blessings upon us. We should occasionally take time to count our blessings, and we should thank Him daily for being so good to us. What we have today may be gone tomorrow, so it is vital to have a sincere appreciation-for our blessings and express our gratitude daily to our God. Are you more like the nine lepers who were cleansed and did not return to give thank and praise Jesus for His blessing? Rather than blaming God for his trouble, Job praised God and said, “The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21).

Apart from helping us to be more grateful, the Book of Job can help us to persevere and remain faithful. Perseverance is a major biblical theme. James 5:11 says, “As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance...” Patience is part of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22) and a Christian virtue (2 Peter 1:6). Jesus told the church in Smyrna, “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer... Be faithful, even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Revelation 2:10)