Job was at his wits end. In very short succession he lost everything:
• He LOST HIS ABILITY TO PRODUCE WEALTH. He lost his livestock – around $30 million.
• He LOST HIS LINEAGE AND LEGACY. All his children, 7 sons and 3 daughters, were reported dead.
• He LOST HIS HEALTH.
• He LOST the SUPPORT OF HIS WIFE.
But was it really all that bad? Did he not gain anything? Well, there were his friends – right? Relentlessly they set out to interrogate him with the tenacity of a pack of pit bulls. They gnawed at him with bad theology. You sinned so God is punishing you. Own up, confess up, come clean – that is all God requires.
Job’s loss was our gain. Through his pain we learn that life is not fair, and suffering is inevitable. In the place of his loss, Job leaves beacons of hope that can lead to healing.
*1st beacon is an attitude. Job 1:21–22 (ESV) — 21 And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” 22 In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong.
*2nd beacon is faith. Job 19:25-28 For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth.
*3rd beacon is steadfastness. Job 13:15 (ESV) — 15 Though he slay me, I will hope in him.
Dear friend – your path is through your pain. But never alone.
