Job 23:10 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/job.23.10.ESV
Example of Testing of Faith
Job is a prime example of testing of one’s faith in God that produces a faith that can be trusted.
At the beginning of Job’s story we trust a faith full of possessions, both material, like his family, his home, his assets and his intangibles, like a good reputation, respect amongst his peers and loved by his family and friends. We think oh, Job is a man of faith because of what he possesses, even if we don’t say these words aloud or in our head, it’s fair to say that might be the conclusion that most of us come to peeking into his life.
When God Chooses You to Be the Example
How about when we read the conversation between God and Satan?
“Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and Satan also came among them. The Lord said to Satan, “From where have you come?” Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking up and down on it.” And the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil?” Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason? Have you not put a hedge around him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.””
Job 1:6-11 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/job.1.6-11.ESV
If you continue in the story of Job you will find that the only thing Satan had access to is Job’s possessions, God always had access to Job’s life. Which makes me think about how many times I’ve held onto possessions that were actually holding onto me. The temporal things of this world both what we can see and touch, as well as, carry in stature will not get us into our eternal home with God, only possessing a relationship with God can do that.
Imagine living so purely focused on a relationship with God that He chooses you to be tested at the level Job was tested?
Job’s Response During the Test
When Job is asked after he loses everything will he curse God now? Here’s Job’s response:
“Then his wife said to him, “Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die.” But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips.”
Job 2:9-10 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/job.2.9-10.ESV
And when one after another, so called friends, the same friends who enjoyed his previous possessions, probably broke bread with him, enjoyed his position but when he was being tested, they got testy.
“As God lives, who has taken away my right, and the Almighty, who has made my soul bitter, as long as my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils, my lips will not speak falsehood, and my tongue will not utter deceit. Far be it from me to say that you are right; till I die I will not put away my integrity from me. I hold fast my righteousness and will not let it go; my heart does not reproach me for any of my days.”
Job 27:2-6 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/job.27.2-6.ESV
What’s Your Mindset During the Testing of Your Faith?
This mindset is so significant because it reminds us that the temporary life here, is a moment to endure, compared to an eternity where all of these tests, trials and temptations go away. The life that was originally planned for us is reinstated because Jesus made a way for us to come home to live with Him forever.
So now we can see why James says this about tests and trials:
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
James 1:2-5 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/jas.1.2-5.ESV
How Do We Keep an Eternal Mindset?
Here are a few verses to memorize and apply to your way of thinking to get you started:
What you prioritize matters:
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
Matthew 6:33-34 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/mat.6.33-34.ESV
What you rehearse in your mind matters:
“Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.”
Philippians 4:8-9 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/php.4.8-9.ESV
The enemy roars LIKE a lion but is not a lion:
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
1 Peter 5:8-11 ESV
https://bible.com/bible/59/1pe.5.8-11.ESV
Conclusion
- Get in the word first thing daily
- Apply the verses you read
- Memorize scripture more than stats, songs and movie quotes.
- Know that the enemy has no power. He is defeated. Walk in the victory you already possess.
- Possessions are not the problem; letting them possess you is.
- Possess God and everything else falls inline.
- If you got problems; chances are God’s not one of them. So stop cursing Him instead of cursing Satan who is the deceiver and author of every lie, destruction, negative thought or loss that you have.
- Pray first. Make it so natural that the enemy doesn’t get an opportunity to walk into your situation.
- Let testing produce what it needs to. Walk it out. God is with you from beginning to end.
- Be careful who you listen to. If it doesn’t line up with the word, it’s not anything you need to allow to weigh out your options while being tested.
Thank YOU LORD for the testimony that comes after the test!
From the Depths of Kell 