Whine or Worship

“Then the Lord said to Satan, ‘Have you thought about my servant Job? There isn't anyone on earth like him. He is honest. He does what is right. He has respect for me and avoids evil.’” (Job 1:8 NIrV)

We have all heard the story. As unbelievable as it may be, Satan does go around looking for people to pick on. He may not do it personally, but his henchmen do roam about tempting us and alluring us into sin. Job was honest, fair, and had a healthy respect for God and a seemingly healthy relationship with Him as well. God said it Himself to Satan, referring to His servant Job. Not all bad things happen because we are causing them to happen. This is a perfect example of God allowing things to happen. As we respond in obedience, God receives glory. Is this not our goal? Too many times, we respond with anger, confusion, and plain old disobedience! Oh, but look how Job responds…

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After Job heard all of those reports, he got up and tore his robe. He shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground and worshiped the Lord. He said, ‘I was born naked. And I'll leave here naked. You have given, and you have taken away. May your name be praised.’ In spite of everything, Job didn't sin by blaming God for doing anything wrong.” (Job 1:20-22 NIrV)

Job loses his livestock, his servants, his children, later his health, and even the respect of his wife and friends. If that was you or me how would we respond…really? His wife responded,

“Are you still continuing to be faithful to the Lord? Speak evil things against him and die!" (Job 2:9NIrV)

This is more along the lines of how respond. Maybe not as severe as curse God and die, but we do ignore Him and do our own thing! Why do we choose whine rather than worship when things get challenging? What would our witness look like if as we go through, people found us praising God, singing psalms and hymns, and dancing like David danced? Would this not confuse the enemy? Would it perhaps encourage others carry the cross a bit further? Could it just possibly cause a non-believer to just consider Christ? Who knows what we are missing out on by not holding on one more day…one more week…one more year?

I thank God for the example I have in Job. I also am grateful to the many living out loud for Jesus before my very eyes…my wife, my Pastor, and many others. My prayer is that I too may be able to be so obedient as to please my Savior and also be able to encourage someone else along the way.

Soli Deo Gloria!!!!