“You Have Given,
And You Have Taken Away”
One
day Job's sons and daughters were at their oldest brother's house. They were
enjoying good food and drinking wine.
During
that time a messenger came to Job. He said, "The oxen were plowing. The
donkeys were eating grass near them. Then the Sabeans
attacked us and carried the animals off. They killed some of the servants with
their swords. I'm the only one who has escaped to tell you!"
While
he was still speaking, a second messenger came. He said, "God sent lightning
from the sky. It struck the sheep and killed them. It burned up some of the
servants. I'm the only one who has escaped to tell you!"
While
he was still speaking, a third messenger came. He said, "The Chaldeans
separated themselves into three groups. They attacked your camels and carried
them off. They killed the rest of the servants with their swords. I'm the only
one who has escaped to tell you!"
While
he was still speaking, a fourth messenger came. He said, "Your sons and
daughters were at their oldest brother's house. They were enjoying good food
and drinking wine. Suddenly a strong wind blew in from the desert. It struck
the four corners of the house. The house fell down on your children. Now all of
them are dead. I'm the only one who has escaped to tell you!"
After
Job heard all of those reports, he got up and tore his robe. He shaved his
head. Then he fell to the ground and worshiped the Lord. He said, "I was
born naked. And I'll leave here naked. You have given, and you have taken away.
May your name be praised."
In
spite of everything, Job didn't sin by blaming God for doing anything wrong.
Job 1:13-22
The
book of Job is a case study in possible worst case scenarios. Yet Job wisely
assessed God’s role in trying circumstances of loss and poor health. What we
dread the most can be used to test our character and make us stronger. Know
that God will provide the strength and comfort to see us through.
Cling
To God. He has promised to work on our behalf, even in the worst possible
scenario.
The living God can take the fear out of living.
Our Daily Bread –