Integrity In The Midst Of Suffering

Job 2:9-10

Integrity in the Midst of Suffering

Define (Integrity)

Firmness of Character

(Steady and unchanging)

Job, the name Jon means “uncertain”. Job was a prosperous farmer, a community leader, and a wealthy land and stockowner. He lived during the time of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob (200-1800 b.c.). Job endured a deluge of calamites because Almighty God allowed Satan to test Job’s faith. Yet, his spiritual roots went down deep into God. Job chose to serve God simply because He is God. He did not serve God merely for the blessing that He could give him. Because of his Faithfulness, God blessed, Job with even more than he had before his faith had been tested.

Job could be used to show Christians, past and present how to go through suffering and still honor God. From Job chapter 1, by reading we know that God had already permitted Satan to touch this Godly man’s life and as a result, Job had lost his children, his wealth, and his servants. In chapter 2, we examine the second part of Job’s test. We see that God again permitted Satan to touch Job with sore boils from the sole of his feet unto the crown of his head (vs. 7 of chapter 2).

Take a look at Life:

Human beings get tired and weary when the suffering they experience is long-term. Just look at Job, he hung in there and was rewarded in the end. (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

Note also that, although Job’s belief in God did not protect or insulate him from life’s troubles and woes. What happened was that God took those troubles and woes, and developed Job’s character and increased his faith in a merciful, faithful God!

Let’s take a look at:

Job’s secret!

When God called Job “the greatest… among... the people of the east” (Job 1:3 NIV), the title was well-deserved. Job, whose name was synonymous with integrity under fire, has 10 children, vast land holding, servants and incredible wealth. Then without warning he lost everything including his children and his health. How could anyone endure this without becoming bitter? Yet, “through all of this Job did not sin nor… blame God.” Instead he asked, “shall we…accept good from God and not… adversity?” (Job 2:10).

What was Job secret?

There are 3 possibilities:

1. He recognized God’s right to control events in his life. When the dust settled, job said “though he slays me, yet will I trust in Him” (Job 13:15). He understood that anything God permits is ultimately for the best, so he said, “I know… you can do all things…that no purpose of yours can be thwarted” (Job 42:2 NAS).

2. He looked for wisdom in the adversity. Listen: My flesh may be destroyed, yet… I will see God…and I long for the moment” (Job 19:26-27 CEV). When you lose everything temporal, your values change radically. Job got his eyes off the here and now, took the long view of the future without pain and sorrow, and was strengthened to handle whatever life threw at him.

3. He acknowledged his limited understanding. Instead of feeling compelled to explain every why and wherefore, job told God, “I have talked about things that are far beyond my understanding… I heard about you from others; now I have seen you with my own eyes” (Job 42:3-5 CEV).

Seeing God in it- that was Job Secret!

Conclusion

As you go through your own valleys and climb your own mountains, maintain your worship life with God, through prayer, praise, and reading his Holy Word. God will strengthen you. Know that He is the lifter of your head.