Would Satan Find You Challenging?


We often speak of the wonderful stamina and patience that Job maintained through some of the most difficult challenges that any could imagine. Without a doubt he is one of the most courageous and resilient men of the Bible. Very few can appreciate the challenges that Job faced throughout his ordeal with Satan. How many of us could lose so much and respond to that tragedy by saying, "...the Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away; blessed be the name of the Lord." (Job 1:21) After enduring all that loss, who among us would it be said of, "In all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly." (Job 1:22) I would hope that we too would demonstrate that kind of love and respect for Jehovah.

Through all the lessons on patience and endurance, and with great focus on Job's continual trust in God, we sometimes may forget an interesting part of his story. Not only is Job a great example of enduring hardship while maintaining his faith, but he was also a worthy example before he endured any of those tragedies. Notice what is said of him in Job 1:1. "There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil."

These facts concerning the character of Job bring several questions to mind. First of which might be, how would this book be introduced if it was written about me? What kinds of things would be written in my stead? Would I be introduced as upright and complete, showing a fearful respect for God and avoiding all that is evil? Sadly, for many this story would change drastically. Maybe it would sound something like this, "he was a lukewarm fellow who knew God, but failed to show a respectful obedience to his will." (Revelation 3:16; Matthew 7:21) That doesn't have quite the same ring to it does it? How about, "he was once obedient, yet let the evils of this world ruin him by failing to avoid them." (Romans 12:9) Either of these thoughts would change the complexion of this wonderful Biblical account. What would the character of my life bring to the story? That is a fair question for each of us to consider.

The account carries with it a greater value because of the character of Job. In fact without that character, there would be no story to learn from. It was because of Job's character that brought all of these temptations on. Satan was frustrated with the fact that he had not been able to move Job away from his faith. In fact he accused God of providing Job with added protection in order to keep Satan's effects from him. With that said, God gave Satan permission to bring even greater challenges to Job than might normally be felt by others. (Job 1:8-12) As we have already noted Satan went to great lengths to shake Job's faith. Another question arises from this and that is, what would Satan need to do to shake my faith? I fear that for many of us, it would be a much easier challenge than Satan faced with Job. The simplest challenges seem to shake us at times. How much effort would Satan need to put forth to get me to "curse God and die."? (Job 2:9) If God were to say to Satan, consider my servan
t _____________________ (put your name in the blank) would Satan laugh at such an easy prey or would he attempt to make excuses as to why he couldn't get to you, as he couldn't get to Job? Is my character such that I am a challenge to Satan? Do I strive to live soberly and righteously, trusting in my Lord to the point that no effort by Satan is going to shake my faith?

Would the account of Job been the same if it were my life under consideration? God be thanked for faithful men like Job. May we all strive to live uprightly, in godly fear. May we stay steadfast, rather than allow any trial, great or small, to shake our faith. If shaken, let us pray to God for forgiveness, repent and do better in the future. The consequence of failure is severe, yet the reward of success is wondrously grand. Let us all strive to serve God faithfully; before, during, and after every trial that Satan brings.

Brian K. Price


April, 1998 Volume 4 Issue 2 Index

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