Brokenness, the Path to GlorySýnishorn

The example of Job

Job was one of God’s heroes – a wonderful God-fearing man. How would you like to have this recommendation from God? Job 1:8 tells us: “Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.”

Satan told God that Job was faithful to God just because God protected him and blessed him. So, God allowed Satan to take away what Job owned – but that’s all. Job 1:12 says: “The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.”

Satan devastated Job’s life; killing his children, destroying his livestock, and killing most of his servants. Consider Job’s reaction! Job 1:20, 21: “At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.”

So “Satan replied. “A man will give all he has for his own life. But now stretch out your hand and strike his flesh and bones, and he will surely curse you to your face.”

The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, he is in your hands; but you must spare his life.” (Job 2:4-6), and in Job 2:10, Job replied: “Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?”

This is an amazing response from a man severely broken by God (certainly Satan did the damage, but could only do what God allowed).

We don’t know how long Job suffered, but even after some time of fierce and false accusations from his “friends”, in Job 13:15, he stated: “Though he slay me, yet will I hope in him”. This trial, this breaking process, was long and difficult and Job complained a lot in the process, but when God was finished the accuser had no more to say, and Job said in Job 42:5: “My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.’”

God beautifully restored Job’s family and gave him possessions far beyond what he had originally owned, but Job was now God’s man and He knew God – not just knew about God. James 5:11 says, “As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.”

Is it possible that God has allowed difficulties in your life to refine and purify your devotion, and to silence your accuser once again?