Faith Under Fire

By Jeff Arnette     The depth and severity of Job’s struggles demand repeating. It’s necessary so that we learn from his life and struggles. He nearly lost everything of value to him—he lost all of family except his wife, his servants, and wealth. Even his health was taken from him and was brought to the very edge of death’s door. Considering all that he suffered, his faith was surprisingly strong. Most would have given up or questioned God’s love for us.     It’s not that Job never got down or discouraged from all this. Like any of us, he felt hurt and pain. He felt lonely and defeated. It would not be a stretch to say he was depressed at times. The key to what made Job successful is found in our verses for today.     His faith in the Lord never wavered. It was as strong in the hard times as it was in the good times. Through the hard times and the good, it was just as strong. His circumstances didn’t influence how he saw the Lord. “keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.” (Jude 21)     He knew where all the good had come from… “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9:8) but just as importantly he knew where all the bad had come from… “Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one.” (James 1:13)     Life may get us down at times. Yet it is our God who can truly deliver us from the valley of the shadow of death (Psalm 23) and bring us to the mountain top of victory again. Keep following the Lord, keep loving and trusting Him. The world may fail us, but our God will not. “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

- Jeff Arnette preaches for the Central Haywood church of Christ, Clyde, NC.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: https://centralhaywoodcoc.com/