Ten golden sayings of Job
Introduction
This was the testimony of God concerning Job's words,"...you have not spoken of Me what is right, as My servant Job has." (Job 42:8) job maintained his integrity in his words during the time of his trial. Job was one of the wealthiest men of his time; but suddenly, he lost all his wealth, children and health -- almost everything other than his wife. In a crucial time boundless adversity , he maintained his true love for God and stood for Him faithfully. Later on , God changed everything upside down and blessed him with double blessing. Some of his golden words -- he shared during the time of his hardship --are highlighted here for our encouragement.
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The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away;
Blessed be the name of the Lord. 1:21When everything was taken away from Job, he spoke this word without any grievance. If we blame God in the time of our adversity, we need to check whether our relationship with God is genuine or not. Job praised God even in the most difficult times of his life
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Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity? 2:10
The right mental attitude can help us to pass through the worst times of our life.Job had a very positive mental attitude to face the adverse situations. Those who have negative mental attitude will murmur the hard times. Our reasoning may raise a lot of questions about our adverse situation; but our right attitude will help is to maintain right relationship with God during the difficult times.
Our attitude will determine our altitude.
Is there not a time of hard service for man on earth? 7:1
Will the tough time last for ever in our life?
Many times God's people question that how long they need to suffer on this earth.Inevitably, we may have to cross many rivers, furnaces, and valleys during our journey on this earth.
The Bible confirms that all our afflictions are short and light.
There is a time limit for all our sufferings. Israelite suffered under the bondage of Egyptians for 400 years. Joseph suffered for a few years before he was appointed as Governor in Egypt. 40 Years Israelite went through the affliction in wilderness. We may have to go through the God appointed afflictions till the His appointed time.
Tough times never last for ever
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God is wise in heart and mighty in strength. Who has hardened himself against Him and prospered? 9:4
There is a beautiful testimony Job shares about God by stating that God is wise in His heart. When someone doesn't do any favour to us, we tend to call him a a fool. Here is the right understanding of Job about God. God is mighty enough to protect us from any adversity and keep us well; he is also wise to allow the adversity to refine us. He saw God as a wise person during the time of his trial and confessed boldly about His wisdom.
The third thing he shares is that no one can prosper by standing against God.
If we bow down before Him, He will cause us to prosper.
If we fall before Him, He will cause us to stand before men.
Job came out of all his troubles and received prosperity in double measure.
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Though He slays me, yet will I trust Him. 13:15
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Man who is born of woman
Is of few days and full of trouble.14:1
There are two facts about human life mentioned in this verse: this life is short and this is full of trouble.
when we compare the span of this life with the eternity, this life is like a little water drop before the ocean. We struggle a lot to do so many things in this life. Alas, the troubles are blended with our days. When you solve one problem another springs up. It's like a cycle troubles keep coming as you keep solving them. These two things express vital philosophical ideas of this life.
We live a temporary life on a temporary earth with temporary troubles.
Across the bridge there is no more sorrow!
For I know that my Redeemer lives,
And He shall stand at last on the earth; 19:25
Quite interesting thing to note in this statement is that Job calls God as his redeemer when he lost everything. And declares that He is alive - a great assurance is expressed here.
When everything goes wrong it's very difficult to witness God. Job continued to call God as his redeemer and declared that he was alive.
Whatever the tough and crushing situation may be around us , we can boldly say that our God is not dead -- indeed, he is alive to save us unto the uttermost.
But He knows the way that I take;
When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.23:10The confidence Job had on God was really in a high measure. He confessed with clarity - having no trace of doubt--that he would come out of the worst situation as gold. Are we sure of our passing out from the difficult times. We think we may or may not come out of the difficult times. Often times, the trials and testings are very personal. you will find a crowd with you when you have wealth and prosperity; when the difficult times - like the experiences of Job -- come, you will find yourself as alone walker.
Jesus suffered more than any one else
For He performs what is appointed for me,
And many such things are with Him.23:14Nothing can ever takes place in our life without the appointment or the permission of God.He performs everything in accordance with His Sovereign will.There can't be any accident ever in the plan of God. Job saw God as the performer in his life and acknowledged his appointments. God's appointments may disappoint us; but, what's our reaction in such situation is very important.
“I know that You can do everything,
And that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You.”42:2Again this statement of prayer is acknowledgement of Sovereignty of God.
God can do everything -- he can stop, move, destroy, create and protect anything.
He does everything according to His purpose that includes His will and plan.
None can stop His purpose in out life and He shall surely perform what He has predestined for us even before the foundations of the world.