How in the world did Job handle losing 10 children, livestock, servants, and his health? In addition, he lost his wife’s support and his friends turned on him. But there is yet another Job takeaway which is a master class in how to endure fiery trials and come out solid gold. Here is a breakdown of what he said and his confidence in God’s refining touch.
“He knows the way I take; when He has put me to the test,
I will come out as gold” (Job 23:10).
1) Job trusted God’s goodness toward him.
“He knows the way I take … ” Job was confident this test was from God Who was with him and on his side! He knew God was not punishing him. Some people think God is punishing them with cancer. I had to fight off those thoughts during my Stage IV cancer battle. What if we know, like Job, that God is on our side and only permits cancer or trials to lead us to higher levels of connection with His peace and joy?
2) Job knew God was large and totally in charge!
“When He has put me to the test…” Job knew God would limit the duration and intensity of the test. As pastor Warren Weirsbe says, “When God puts His own people into the furnace, He keeps His eye on the clock and His hand on the thermostat.”
3) Job knew God was testing him for a beautiful outcome.
“I shall come forth as gold.” Job did not know of God’s great debate with the devil over his faithfulness under adversity (Job 1 & 2). Yet He knew suffering is never in vain with God. Somehow God would use the hardship to steer him to the greatest treasure of all, Himself!
More gold
Peter also compares God’s testing process to purifying gold. He extols the grand prize of fire-purified faith is experiencing the “inexpressible” joy of Jesus’ Presence in our lives:
“In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which perishes though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory…” (1 Peter 1:6-8).
Some people come out of the furnace burned and bitter. Others who embrace the process will come out solid gold and experience peace and joy from God Himself. How are you responding to the fire?
See how good God is in sending Jesus to save and deliver you – here!
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