In the land of Uz there once lived a man named Job. Job was blameless and upright in the sight of God, for he feared the Lord and shunned evil. Job was very wealthy for his day and age. He had seven sons, three daughters, seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, five hundred donkeys, and a large number of servants. Job was considered one of the greatest among all the people of the East.
One day, when Job’s sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine in the eldest brother’s house, a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. The resulting collapse killed all of Job’s children. On the same day, more than ten thousand cattle were taken—either carried away by robbers or burned by a fire from heaven. Though Job encountered these harsh calamities, he remained tranquil at heart. The greatness of his heart lies in the fact that he did not attempt to criticize God, but rather praised Him. This is a valuable lesson for us to learn: having a faith that can endure and praise God under trials.
Job was victorious in this refining fire because he understood that he was but a steward in God’s household; God is the true Master. Job understood that he received his children and possessions from God. So the Lord God had an absolute right to give and take away. Regardless of what we think we have lost, God’s name is always to be praised.
There was a certain sister who possessed good faith with a humble and gentle heart. When she was 20 years old, she suffered uremia and died suddenly. During her funeral, her father said, "I will say with Job, it is the Lord who gives and who takes away. Praised be the name of the Lord." His brief words revealed a spiritual maturity and peace in Christ.
When God takes away our children or our possessions, we need to remind ourselves—in the face of all that our rational mind may tell us—that we are only stewards of God’s grace. God is the sovereign Lord and the master of this universe. It is our Lord who enables us not to suffer loss. Our Lord Jesus can only be praised, for He suffered incredible pains for us willingly. How is it then that we can complain when we undergo trials to the glory of His name? How good would it be if we could all reach a level of spiritual maturity in Jesus Christ!
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