What does Job’s story mean to believers today? It means that some of the trials of life are caused directly by Satanic opposition. God permits Satan to try His children, but He always limits the extent of the enemy’s power. When you find yourself in the fire, remember that God keeps His gracious hand on the thermostat!

Satan wants us to get impatient with God, for an impatient Christian is a powerful weapon in the devil’s hands. Moses’ impatience robbed him of a trip to the Holy Land; Abraham’s impatience led to the birth of Ishmael, the enemy of the Jews; and Peter’s impatience almost made him a murderer.

When Satan attacks us, it is easy for us to get impatient and run ahead of God and lose God’s blessing as a result.

When you find yourself in the furnace, go to the throne of grace and receive from the Lord all the grace you need to endure. Remind yourself that the Lord has a gracious purpose in all of this suffering, and that He will work out His purposes in His time and for His glory.

You are not a robot caught in the jaws of fate. You are a loving child of God, privileged to be a part of a wonderful plan. There is a difference!

Believe this: “The Lord will deliver me from every evil deed, and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen” (2 Timothy 4:18, NASB).

Also read: Job 1:12; 2:6; 23:10; 2 Corinthians 12:7-9; Hebrews 4:14-16.

Action assignment: If you are hurting, make a special point to turn from negative thinking to the positive truth of 2 Timothy 4:18.

WARREN W. WIERSBE
www.backtothebible.in