The Blows of Adversity

Have you ever heard of the land of Uz? About the only thing it had going for it was the fact that Job resided there. I don’t know if he was born there, or if he moved there from somewhere else. But I do know that he abode there long enough to become a citizen and make a name for himself.

Job was well respected. According to the bible he "loved God and eschewed evil." It is impressive when the source of your fame is righteousness and godliness. This was mentioned first before his mega family and endless head of livestock. The fact that he "feared God" takes precedence over the acres and acres of land, his many servants and his huge bankroll. Job was the greatest man in the east, a scriptural example of success through hard work, integrity and dealing honestly with others.

Then it happened. Like a flash flood at midnight that sweeps away everything in its path, within a few hours everything was gone. All of his livestock, including the prize bulls and heifers, gone. The endless miles of crops had suddenly become a wasteland. And his close family, knitted together by the strong bond of wise fatherly influence, was tragically and unexpectantly killed by a tornado-like storm. Can you imagine ten coffins at one time?

You may ask, how much can one man take? Well, there’s more. Soon after that, Job got sick. I don’t mean a backache or twisted ankle. Job broke out with some type of necrotizing lesions all over his body. Draining, infectious and painful sores made his every movement an agonizing experience. Well, at least he was still alive, right? His wife didn’t think so. I can imagine having to see her beloved husband going through such a debilitating experience was taking a toll on her. After all, just weeks earlier, he was a picture of health. But now, his independence was gone, and his future was shattered. The suggestion to "curse God and die" seemed like a reasonable alternative.

The blows of adversity had come to this man of God. Satan had taken away everything, and now he stood back to see if Job would follow his wife’s advice. I can imagine the demons of hell placing bets as they watched the events from the corridors of darkness. Job found enough strength to raise himself up and let them all know exactly how he felt. Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall return. The Lord gave and the Lord takes away. Blessed be the Name of the Lord Job 1:21. Then God added His own statement; "Through all this Job did not sin, nor did he blame God (v.22).

You see, Satan took all he could from Job. But there was so much that he could not take. Job refused to give up his integrity. Even though his life was filled with grief, he was still able to worship God. Though now a bankrupt pauper whose eyes filled with tears at the silence of his empty house, he did not find the words in his heart to charge God foolishly. Job proved beyond any doubt that he knew and trusted his God.

There are many that feel like the proof of a godly life is one, which has no place for adversity. They feel that it’s not practical for God’s children to have to endure hardships. I’m not sure what bible they are reading, but according to the Holy Bible, Christians have trials and tribulations like everybody else. God allows things to come our way and watches us grow and learn as we stand in faith. No saint of God grows strong apart from adversity. At his weakest point, Job said, "shall I accept good from God and not accept adversity? (Job 2:10) Hardly!

Do you trust the integrity of God’s word? Can you go through what Job did and say what Job said in chapter 19:25-26? Do you believe the promises of God will take you through the rain as well as the sunshine? Can you trust Him when you do not understand, or when He says no, or when he doesn’t say anything?

Maybe your life is going pretty good right now. You are healthy, your neighborhood is nice and you are making it financially. You catch the Sunday morning service, but you do not really see the need to get too heavy into this religious thing. Job was coasting along smoothly. Then within minutes, the beautiful countryside of Uz became a living hell. But Job was able to make it because he knew His God long before the fire fell.

God has given us His Word, not to debate and fight over, but to live by. Through the Word we come to know and fellowship with God. Satan is like a roaring lion, a toothless tiger whose growl is worse than his bite. Satan does not do most of the harm done in Christian circles. Christians do it to each other. Our victory will begin the moment we stop allowing Satan to fill our soul with his lies and accusations.