There are statements that have credibility if they are made by people who have experienced what they are describing. There was a man who, before he had his own children, boldly declared his ten rules for raising children. After he had been a parent for several years, he changed his rules to a few suggestions for child rearing. Likewise, why should you listen to someone about investment strategies if they are struggling financially? Conversely, you’ll listen to the person who has been in the trenches and has achieved success in the endeavor of your interest.

For those of you who may be facing difficulties, Job was a seasoned veteran. He lost his wealth, his children, and his wife encouraged him to “curse God and die”. Job however never lost his perspective of God:

He said,“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall return there. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.” Through all his trials, Job did not sin nor did he blame God. (Job 1:21-22)

Job had the spiritual maturity to accept not only good, but also adversity from God. We may find that we have the ability to persevere for a short time, but eventually we lose hope. Job persevered as he realized that there are no hopeless situations – only people who have grown hopeless about them. That’s why Job could make this confident declaration:

Though He slay me, I will hope in Him. Nevertheless I will argue my ways before Him. (Job 13:15)

This statement was a demonstration of God’s confidence in Job against Satan’s accusation that the reason why Job feared God was because God had blessed him.The Hebrew word for hope conveyed the idea of patient waiting with an expectation of help. Job’s statement is the Old Testament response to the Apostle Paul’s question, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?”

For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)

Job was able to maintain hope in God because of his intimate relationship with God. Job demonstrated hope in the midst of darkness because he realized God’s love for him. Even when Job’s earthly circumstances appeared to be punishment, Job confidently clung to God’s sovereignty. Satan uses the same tactic against us as he seeks to make us feel that God does not love us. Satan’s strategy is to separate us from God’s love. The times when we feel most overwhelmed by doubt and despair are the times when we must tenaciously cling to God’s love. You must realize that nothing can separate you from God’s love, and that includes even yourself!

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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