JOB 1 – 2:10
Job is a perfect example that Satan can get to anyone, anywhere, anytime. He was a righteous man who followed the Lord with all that he had. He had faith and was willing to do whatever God wanted him to do. Job wasn’t living a careless or reckless lifestyle, but was as solid as any of us hope to be.
I can’t say that I understand why God allowed horrific times to come to Job’s life, but that is also not my call. God is sovereign and His mercy rains on the just and the unjust. In fact, I would believe it to be true to Scripture to say that much was allowed to happen in Job’s life, because God trusted him so much. Do you ever wish that God didn’t trust you so much?
The key aspect I want us to focus on for this devotional is that Job was tempted. Christians often don’t want to admit that they are being tempted. Admitting that there is temptation in our lives might make somebody think that we aren’t where we need to be with Christ. Sometimes we find it hard to take down the mask of perfection to allow people to see we aren’t perfect (even if our heart and motives are). Job was tempted to throw in the towel and turn his back on God. He was not only tempted by his unbelievable circumstances, but by his wife as well. Temptations of many varieties are waiting to lure us to turn our back away from God. Just like with Adam and Eve, giving in makes us distant from our creator and feeling so ashamed to the point that we hide from His presence.
Job had a decision to make. He could give into temptation and forsake God or he could honor God in the middle of his circumstances. Job made a crucial decision at the most difficult time of his life. He made a choice to stay true and even praise God in his time of trouble. The temptation to turn away from God could have pounded the final nail on Job’s existence. However, Job knew that the only way Satan could truly get the upper hand with him was if he tried to handle it on his own. Job cries out to God in his pain and agony, but refuses to sin or dishonor God in process.
We have a choice to make when we are faced with temptation to give in to bitterness, lust, lies, addictions, etc… We can make the choice to turn our face towards the Lord and ask for his help and believe that God will bring us through or to try and handle it ourselves. It is often that initial choice that determines whether or not sin can take root in our hearts. Job shows us that the best way to escape the trap that Satan has laid is to direct our problems back to Jesus and cry for help. Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in the time of trouble.” Our temptations are not too big for our God, but we must be willing to invite His help and lean on Him when we are tempted. Our biggest mistake is allowing temptation to overtake us and allow for defeat before we allow the Lord to do the fighting for us. All we have to do when we are tempted is simply say, “Jesus, help me.” The battle is won or lost on our will to say those words and rely on him to bring us through. Just like Job, we may not have it easy, but we can still overcome by seeking the Lord whenever we are tempted.