February 21

Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one on earth like him, a man who is blameless and upright, who fears God and shuns evil. He still retains his integrity, even though you incited Me against him to ruin him without cause.” — Job 2:3 BSB

It is a noble thing when a person stands steadfast and faithful to God amid trials and adversities. Such a person is like a mighty rock, unshaken by the angry waves of the sea.

This was Job’s experience. Trial after trial came his way. Marauders and fire destroyed his property, and his children were crushed by falling walls. In a short time, he was left with nothing, a childless man! His heart was broken with sorrow, yet his faith did not waver. The Lord kept His eye on His servant and was pleased to see how trustingly Job endured his losses and sorrows.

Job’s affliction, as described here from the divine perspective, shows us one possible reason why trouble comes into the lives of God’s children. Job’s suffering served to prove to a scoffing adversary the genuineness of his faith. Job didn’t know why these terrible losses came upon him. Likewise, when we are in trouble, we don’t always know why God sends or allows affliction. But we should always live in a way that honors God and proves the reality of our faith. We are called to witness to the power of divine grace during trials, and we must not fail God or disappoint Him. One of the most sacred duties we have is to be faithful to God in pain and trouble. To murmur or complain is to sin.