JOB’S STORY OF PATIENCE

If there is one thing people need to learn and practice, it is patience. If you read the previous blog about Abraham’s story, you will know that patience plays a significant role in our waiting season.

In the land of Uz there lived a man whose name was Job. This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil. He had seven sons and three daughters, and he owned seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen and five hundred donkeys, and had a large number of servants. He was the greatest man among all the people of the East. —Job 1:1-3

The desires you hope and long for can only happen if you have patience working. Though it is understandable for a human to be impatient, especially during challenging times, practicing The desires you hope for can only be fulfilled if you practice patience. While it’s natural to feel impatient—especially during difficult times—practicing patience is essential and will be the key to successfully navigating your waiting period. It is necessary as it will be the key to a successful waiting season.

A Bible character named Job was very wealthy. He had everything and was blessed by God in many ways because he was blameless and upright (Job 1:1). Despite his wealth, Job lived a humble life. It is no wonder that God remarked that there was no one on earth like him (verse 8).

“Does Job fear God for nothing?” Satan replied. “Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. But now stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face.” The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.” Then Satan went out from the presence of the Lord. —Job 1:9-12

The enemy is provoking God to strike Job because he believes that if God takes everything away from Job, he will curse God (verse 11). Who is this enemy? “Satan” is the devil, the adversary, the provoker, and the destroyer who seeks to harm Job and others on earth. The enemy works to undermine God’s plans and aims to lead you away from Him. It will use countless temptations to distract your heart and pull you away from God. When you draw closer to God, you become a target, just like Job. The enemy sought to ruin Job, but he did not realize that God would strengthen Job’s heart to help him overcome the hardships he would face.

At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship  and said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.”—Job 1:20-21

Ultimately, the enemy targeted Job’s life. However, God’s protection strengthened his heart before the enemy could launch its attacks, so Job remained faithful to God. He had an appreciative heart. Instead of solely focusing on his suffering, he continued to give all the credit to God. How many of us become angry with God when we don’t receive what we want or face trials? Many might say, “I didn’t sign up for this,” or “I don’t deserve this.” While it’s understandable to feel this way, adopting a mindset that seeks growth can be beneficial. When we find ourselves in deep waters, we can ask God, “Lord, what are you trying to teach me?” Sometimes, what we lack is acceptance. Not everyone possesses the ability to accept things as they are. We can pray for a heart that embraces circumstances beyond our control and the strength to endure whatever challenges the enemy throws us.

 “Skin for skin!” Satan replied. “A man will give all he has for his own life. But now stretch out your hand and strike his flesh and bones, and he will surely curse you to your face.” The Lord said to Satan, “Very well, then, he is in your hands; but you must spare his life.”—Job 2:4-6 NIV

The enemy is known for being a destroyer and a provoker. One thing the enemy overlooked is that it can never provoke God. The devil wanted Job to suffer, but what the enemy failed to realize is that God protects Job. People might question why, if God truly protects Job, He allowed Satan to have his way in Job’s life. The enemy cannot take Job’s life away; even the enemy must listen to Almighty God.

God permitted the enemy to afflict Job again because He knew that Job would remain faithful to Him. God understood the strength of Job’s heart, even if he lost everything. The enemy was caught off guard by this. At this point in Job’s life, he had every reason to lose hope and patience, yet he chose to devote himself to the Lord, even when God did not respond to him for a long time. 

Job internalized everything the Lord taught him. Even while suffering, enduring challenges build character. Navigating deep waters leads to growth encompassing every aspect of life, helping us overcome trials and progress as individuals.

So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord and afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head.  Then Job took a piece of broken pottery and scraped himself with it as he sat among the ashes. His wife said to him, “Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!” He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said. —Job 2:7-10 NIV

What is intriguing about Job is that even in great pain, everything he speaks is filled with wisdom. Not everyone can endure pain with kindness or express wisdom when suffering. Most of us lose our patience when in discomfort, which is entirely understandable. The lesson God presents through Job is about enduring pain. Even the bleakest situations always hold a glimmer of hope, whether physical or emotional suffering.

 But Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became very angry with Job for justifying himself rather than God. He was also angry with the three friends, because they had found no way to refute Job, and yet had condemned him.—Job 32:2-3 NIV

In this chapter, Elihu, a prophet sent by God, is introduced to assist Job and serve as a spokesperson for Job and his three friends, who came not to comfort Job but to condemn him. In this part of Job’s story, we will witness God’s restoration in Job’s life. It is often said that no man is an island; God will send someone to help us. He uses people and situations to help us bear heavy burdens. Psalm 37:28 states, “For the Lord loves the just and will not forsake His faithful ones.” This promise was fulfilled for Job. Although Job faced significant challenges, God honored him as a loyal servant.

 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.” So Eliphaz the Temanite, Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite did what the Lord told them; and the Lord accepted Job’s prayer. After Job had prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before.—Job 42:8b,9-10 NIV

Even though Job’s so-called “friends” condemned him, he still managed to pray for them, and God accepted Job’s prayer. 1 Peter 3:12 states, “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are attentive to their prayer, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” God doesn’t focus on what you can do; He looks at what’s in your heart. Even before you utter a word, God already knows your prayers. When God sees the genuineness of your heart, He will grant you the desires of your heart according to His will. After Job prayed for his friends, After Job prayed for his friends, the Lord restored everything Job had lost and gave him twice as much.

Patience plays a significant role in achieving a successful future. Job’s patience is extraordinary. God was right when He said that no one is on earth like Job. He is blameless and upright (Job 1:8). God sees our struggles and listens to our prayers. Humans may have many expectations, desires, and difficulties, but God wants us to learn the value of patience. 

Hope emerges when we practice patience. Although it may not come quickly, rest assured that God will not leave us deserted. The Lord will restore the dreams, hope, and life that the enemy has taken from us. God desires us to remain hopeful and patient, even when storms arise. He will protect us just as He protected Job, restoring everything he had. 

So, be strong, hold on to hope, and exercise patience in your current season.