Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die.” But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips. – Job 2:9-10.
There is one thing to endure the loss of loved ones in our lives, but another battle is to endure the suffering of one’s own skin and bones. It is in these circumstances that the flesh and the heart are intertwined and equally challenged. Some will choose to deny God or praise God depending on whether they are sick or healed from their illness. But if healing or provision from God is the basis of our faith in the Lord, then is it merely a shallow belief and thus conditional devotion to the one whom we claim to be God? If God does not choose to heal us in our timing and way, then does that give me the right to turn from Him and disobey him? To be wavered back and forth in our faith in God is a reflection of our wobbly conception of who God is, and who he ought to be to us.
Pain often forces out the truth. It not only refines us in our faith and our clinging to God in times of trouble and need, but it also tests us of the genuineness of what is truly within. If there is arrogance, pride and false motive, in times of trouble the truth of one’s heart will always be revealed.
Job feared God, whole heartedly. This was evident in chapter one, as he had continued to be repentant and out of devotion gave burnt offerings even for the unknown sins of his children. He truly loved and feared God. God was of greatest importance and value to Job. Job had a strong sense of understanding who God was. Not just to him, but in the picture of God’s authority and sovereignty. God was his Lord. He believed in God’s greatness and unwavering faithfulness even in his turmoil.
Job understood Salvation. He understood the grace of God and that there was much more to be hopeful for even in his suffering on earth. He looked heavenward and knew the salvation there was in the Lord, even if the nature of hell would wreak havoc on his flesh.
Job’s true faith in his heart was reflected by his lips. The confession of his lips were a viewfinder for what was actually in his heart: His deep faith and love for God which was untainted by selfish motive or desires. His unwavering commitment in following the Lord was evident and true.
What is in your heart? What is the reason that you follow the Lord, and are your expectations of God merely for your ambitions or truly to live for His glory? Is it truly because of what the Lord has already done for you on the cross through His Son Jesus Christ?
In times of difficultly, may such events allow you to reflect on faith and the motive of one’s life. May it not only test the heart, but also refine it; that we ought to grow not only stronger in faith but more pure in heart.
6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, 9 obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. – 1 Peter 1:6-9
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