Men of the Bible Series - Job(PART 1)

Men of the Bible Series

Job (James 5:10-11) – PART 1

James 5:10-11, Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the LORD, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the LORD; that the LORD is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

Job was a righteous man who walked with the Lord and his life pleased Him. From the very beginning of the book of Job we hear about Job’s character and his testing (Job 1:1, 8; 2:3). The Bible declares Job was perfect, upright, feared God, and eschewed evil. Both before and after he lost everything God was able to say Job had the same characteristics. His faith, family, farm, finances, and flesh were all tried. Even though this man suffered numerous losses that would knock most of us out, Job remained steadfast and faithful to the LORD.

In James 5:11, the word “patience” means cheerful, endurance,’ ‘steadfastness,’ and ‘perseverance or waiting. It is endurance without murmuring. Job suffered affliction without murmuring. Perhaps the best characteristic to describe Job is patience. Patience is something we all need and want, but we rarely like to go through what it takes to obtain it. James 1:3, Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. As believers’, we will all have our faith tested. If there is no testing, there will never be patience. In Titus 2:2-8, when God lists specific character traits men and women need to develop, it was the men that He told to be patient. Perseverance is often developed through faith that triumphs through sufferings as seen in Job 13:15. The outcome of the Lord’s dealings with Job reveals that in all Job’s troubles, God cared deeply about him and preserved his life and hope. James wants us to know that God is concerned about all of His people and that, in their suffering, He will sustain them in love and compassionate mercy (Job 6:4; 42:10).

Every Christian should display cheerful endurance in the following six ways:

1. Waiting on God (Psalm 37:7)
2. Doing good (Romans 2:7)
3. Tribulation (Romans 12:12)
4. Christ’s return (II Thessalonians 3:5)
5. The race that is set before us (Hebrews 12:1)
6. Suffering wrongfully (I Peter 2:19-20)

A furnace of fire is used to test precious metals. The heat from the furnace separates the dross and impurities to bring about the best. Job stated, “when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold” (Job 23:10). The Word of God teaches that our faith is even more precious than gold. God allows and may even bring times of trouble to our lives to not only test us, but to refine us. When we are tried and tested by adversity, it is so that we can come forth unto His praise, honor, and glory when Christ returns. We, as a result, become more precious (valuable) to Him. Good people get tested so they can become better.

Trials never come by accident or by mistake; there is a purpose for the trial (James 1:2-4) At the center of every trial, there is a purpose. Each of us must pass through the flames of adversity during our appointed time on Earth. Regardless of the experience, it hurts to go through the fire. As painful as the heat may be, God will not allow it to consume you. It will accomplish nothing less than His perfect will intends for you. But there is something very precious about the searing heat of trials. God uses it to refine our character in a way no natural act could do. No one likes going thru trials, but by keeping our eyes focused on the end result of our trials, we find the patience and strength to endure them and reach the other side.

Satan wants believers to quit serving God. Satan wants you to think that God doesn’t care when God is really molding and making you more like Christ (Romans 8:28-29). The Lord promised in due season that we would reap if we do not faint (Galatians 6:9). In the end his patience was rewarded by God giving him double. Job didn’t faint and, in the end, he reaped (Job 42:12). Patience is a pearl which is found only in the deep seas of affliction.

When we are going through trials it is of great comfort to know that nothing comes into our lives without first passing through the hands of our heavenly Father. God’s grip of grace clings to us through the trials of life and leads us day by day. This was the test in the book of Job. Satan claimed Job worshiped God only because he was prosperous. The trial of Job’s faith proved Satan wrong. What do your trials say about your faith in God?

PRAYER: Father in Heaven I know the thoughts and plans You have for me are for Your glory and for my good. Whatever I may face today, I can expect that You are working for good in all of it. So, I’m going to step forward in faith, trusting You in all things and seeking to cooperate fully with Your plans for me. I know I can’t imagine all the good You have planned for my life, but I also know it’s all coming in Jesus’ name, so I can say, AMEN!

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