There once was a man named Job who lived in the land of Uz. He was blameless – a man of complete integrity. He feared God and stayed away from evil. Job 1:1 NLT

“All right, you may test him,” the LORD said to Satan. “Do whatever you want with everything he possesses, but don’t harm him physically.” So Satan left the LORD’s presence. Job 1:12 NLT

Satan began his testing of Job. Satan believed that if he took everything away from Job, that Job would curse God. First a messenger arrived to tell Job that all his oxen and donkeys had been stolen by the Sabeans who had also killed all the farmhands. Immediately a second messenger came and said that fire fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the shepherds.

Then a third messenger arrived saying that three bands of Chaldean raiders have stolen your camels and killed your servants. Finally, a fourth messenger came to tell Job that while his sons and daughters were feasting at the oldest son’s home, a fierce wind came and the house collapsed, killing all of his children.

Job stood up and tore his robe in grief. Then he shaved his head and fell to the ground to worship. Job 1:20

Job worshipped God even in his woes and weakness.

The LORD gave me what I had, and the LORD has taken it away. Praise the name of the LORD! Job 1:21b

Job praised God even in his problems.

“All right, do with him as you please,” the LORD said to Satan. “But spare his life”. Job 2:6” God allowed Satan to test Job again and Satan struck Job with boils from head to foot. Even Job’s wife told him to curse God and die!

Job’s three friends come to comfort and console him: Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite, and Zophar the Naamathite. And yet they tend to be more accusing than comforting. Several chapters are dedicated to the friends’ “advice” and Job’s replies. Job 3 through Job 27

God might kill me, but I have no other hope. Job13:15a

Job hoped in God alone even in his heartbreak.

In Chapter 38 – 41 the LORD challenges Job. The LORD asks Job, “Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words?” Job 38:2

In the final chapter, Job is humbled and repents, acknowledging the amazing wisdom and wonders of God. God instructs the three “friends” to offer sacrifices for their incorrect assessments of Job’s situation and to ask Job to pray for them. And Job does!

God blessed Job more than before! Job lived 140 years after that, living to see four generations of his children and grandchildren. Then he died, an old man who had lived a long full life. Job 42:16-17

May we, too, continue to worship, praise and hope in the LORD no matter the troubles and problems that come our way. May we always look to our amazing and wonderful God for He is always with us.

I thank God for each of you! And I thank you for joining me this week, as like Job, we worship, praise, hope, and trust in our Lord always.

Blessings and rejoicing to all as we always trust and hope in the Lord no matter our circumstances!