Job overcame many trials of faith, and through faith he was greatly blessed by the Lord. His sores were healed, his possessions doubled, and he also had seven sons and three daughters. His siblings and old acquaintances all returned to see him once he was restored. Job lived another hundred and forty years after his trial; he saw his children and their children to the fourth generation. Materially speaking, Job was greatly blessed. In spiritual terms, however, what Job gained from his trial was much more precious.
Job’s trial caused a dramatic change in his life. In the past, Job had only heard of God, but now he saw God! To hear of God only can be likened to an inherited faith--a faith that often turns into a habitual faith. However, to see God is likened to a faith that comes from living experience. This kind of faith is sincere and endears us to God.
The greatest trial Job endured was not the disasters he faced, one after another; it was the sorrow of his heart. Job knew very well that the Lord gives and takes away, as we all know. He also knew that in everything God has His will. But he did not understand what God’s will was: why do righteous people have to suffer such great calamities? Job, echoing many of our own cries, lamented, "As God lives, who has taken away my justice, and the Almighty, who has made my soul bitter" (Job 27:2).
King Solomon also lamented, "A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance" (Eccl 3:4). The agonizing period of unanswered questions finally came to an end. Job said to God, "You asked, ‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know… I had heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You" (Job 42:3,5). Job finally understood God’s will. How great was his joy!
When we encounter afflictions, we often try to find someone to blame. However, suffering is a time for self-examination. We should always follow Job’s example of enduring faith to the end. Let us soberly contemplate the will of God who lets all things work together for good to those who love him. If we can do that, our faith may shift from the hearing of God to seeing God, from immaturity to maturity.
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