Have you ever lost something or someone that was very valuable to you? I know we all have and it’s a huge struggle to move forward. We start having an inward struggle of our motivation, asking questions like, how hard do I have to work to get what I want? Or how would I move forward if I never get what I found most valuable or what am I to do if the positions, people, and anticipated outcomes shifted negatively? What kind of reaction as sisters are we supposed to have when encountering these losses?
Well, let’s examine the life of a blameless and God-fearing man named Job. Specifically we are going to dissect his hardships, look at his reactions, and see how God responds. Next, we are going to see how his story can be applied to our daily lives and lastly what God would want us to do as we progress through these losses.
Job’s Hardships
13 One day when Job’s sons and daughterswere feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, 14 a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, 15 and the Sabeans attacked and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”
16 While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The fire of God fell from the heavens and burned up the sheep and the servants, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”
17 While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, “The Chaldeansformed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and made off with them. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!”
18 While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said, “Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother’s house, 19 when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!” Job 1:13-19
First hardship: The oxen and donkeys were stolen by Sabeans and the servants taking care of them were killed and a messenger survived.
Second hardship: The sheep were burnt and the servants looking after them were also burnt and a messenger survived.
Third hardship: The Chaldeans formed three groups, they stole camels and killed the servants looking after them and a messenger survived.
Fourth hardship: A windstorm struck the four corners of the older brother’s house, the house collapsed on them and died and a messenger survived.
Phew! Let’s pause.
Job had everything heavily guarded. These were things that weren’t supposed to be easily stolen nor killed. Also, Job was a very detailed man. He kept order within everything he owned from his possessions of animals to his children. He prayed for his children early in the morning to make sure that they didn’t sin against God. That’s HUGE. Lastly, Job wasn’t anticipating any of these losses. I mean naturally within our lives at least death of family members but at this level, it’s hard to imagine how things would be the same.
Job’s Reactions
20 At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship 21 and said:
“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
and naked I will depart.[a]
The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away;
may the name of the Lord be praised.” Job 1:20-21
Job reacted to this in a way I believe everyone would. I believe he also didn’t say this talking. He shouted this. There is no doubt that he genuinely followed God for these things that he had, but for the love he has for God.
Sadly, these hardships were not the only ones that Job had experienced. He was given painful sores from the bottom of his feet to the top of his head. As a result, his wife begins to doubt his belief. In which he says, “Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?”
In addition, his friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar start to examine Jobs life and explain to Job the possible sins he could have committed. In all honesty, it was nothing. These were hypothetical sins and direct accusations of who Job is and who God is.
Don’t you find it uncomfortable during these struggle and losses people start to question your character or the other people around you who left or no longer here?
This was the same thing and God called it out.
God’s Response
7 After the Lord had said these things to Job, he said to Eliphaz the Temanite, “I am angry with you and your two friends, because you have not spoken the truth about me, as my servant Job has. 8 So now take seven bulls and seven rams and go to my servant Job and sacrifice a burnt offering for yourselves. My servant Job will pray for you, and I will accept his prayer and not deal with you according to your folly. You have not spoken the truth about me, as my servant Job has.” 9 So Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite did what the Lord told them; and the Lord accepted Job’s prayer.“ Job 42:7-9
After each hardship and response from Job, there was nothing wrong with what Job has said. It was very vulnerable and discussion of Gods character. He remained faithful in which God saw.
Application Towards Progression
Nonetheless, God has given Job more and more. From children, to land, to animals—it was all given back twice as much!
What to apply through the struggles and losses:
- Remain faithful for He is faithful. Trust in Gods character and be honest. If you don’t like what happened or where you are, talk to him. There shouldn’t be a reason not to. He’s your Father and wants to hear from you.
- Don’t give into the talks of outside influences. Friendships and sisterhoods are bold and great to rely on but there shouldn’t be ANY reason to explain why something happened or why you are enduring a struggle. Pray for the right emotional support.
- Think of life as temporary. Clinging onto God and actively pursuing new opportunities is surrendering the control or need to move forward and heal quickly. Acknowledge that this life is passing soon and it’s good to rely on Him as you move forward.
Alright ladies! That is it. God bless you and remember Jesus loves you! 🌸