Job 1

Sometimes I think Satan has been given to much credit or power than he really deserves. Did you know that Job 1 describes Satan's attributes. He is not all knowing, he is not all powerful, he can only be in one place at a time. He is God's opposite in character and ability. He is a fallen creature, not a god with any true power. That is why Satan relies on deception so much because he has no real power. He tries to manipulate by "roaring like a lion" to create fear in our lives. If he can get us to believe a lie then he has the upper hand for the moment. In order for Satan to attack us God has to give him permission and only then God has placed severe limits on what he can try to do.

Job 2

Job 2:9,10 '"His wife said to him, "Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!" He replied, "You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?" In all of this, Job did not sin in what he said."'

Job has been a book that has always puzzled me, but recently it has brought me relief. What I've learned from him is to accept the good and the bad God allows my way. It is coming from a loving Heavenly Father who is using these trials to transform me into His Son's image, but that happens only when I respond favorably to them. Job 2 puts Job's response side by side to his wife's. His wife curses God, while Job worships God. He is a great model of how to live when we are being tested. A funny thing happens when we quit fighting and accept what God is doing around us, we become content with where He has placed us. Paul wrote in Philippians 4:11, "I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances." "Learning" this can be very difficult, but when it is "learned" it's always rewarding. In short, 1. Accept the good and the bad God allows our way. 2. Know that God is good and only test us for our benefit. 3. Contentment only comes when we accept all that God gives us, the good and the bad.