God tested Job’s faith and refined his character
Published 12:17 pm Friday, July 24, 2020
From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham
Dear Rev. Graham: What does the “patience of Job” mean? — J.P.
Dear J.P.: The Bible records the story of Job that illustrates someone who suffered greatly yet never turned his back on God. The phrase “the patience of Job” demonstrates the experience of Job’s triumphant attitude during his excruciating suffering that intruded his life. He lost his health, wealth, and children. His friends accused him and called into question his faith in God. Job’s wife tried to persuade him to turn from the Lord when she said, “Curse God and die!” Job replied: “Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity” (Job 2:10). In all of this, the Bible says, Job did not sin with his lips.
Job was reduced to sitting amidst the rubble of his once-prosperous life. After the loss of everything he held worthwhile, he still proclaimed: “Though He [God] slay me, yet will I trust Him” (Job 13:15). He was declaring his complete trust in his God. He later proclaimed: “I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth” (Job 19:25).
These words came from the lips of a man who was crushed from the suffering he had endured at the hands of Satan. Scripture gives us this towering model to follow in our attitude toward suffering. Despite his difficulties he said, “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” (Job 1:21).
God tested Job’s faith and refined his character. Job emerged from his ordeal a better and wiser man who exhibited such patience amidst the upheaval of life.
“Honest, good-hearted people who hear God’s word, cling to it” (Luke 8:15, NLT). Patience is one of the many attributes of God and He wants to perfect this in His people. Patience in our lives springs from God’s power based upon our willingness to learn it.
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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)
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As a seasoned scholar in biblical studies and religious literature, I bring a wealth of knowledge to shed light on the topic at hand. My understanding is deeply rooted in the intricate narratives of the Bible, and I approach this with a comprehensive view of the historical, cultural, and theological contexts involved.
The article in question delves into the concept of "the patience of Job," drawing from the biblical story of Job as recorded in the Book of Job. Job's narrative is a testament to unwavering faith and resilience in the face of profound suffering. I will break down the key concepts mentioned in the article to provide a thorough understanding:
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Job's Story: The article refers to the biblical figure Job, who endured immense suffering without turning away from his faith in God. Job faced severe trials, including the loss of health, wealth, and children. Despite these adversities, Job maintained his trust in God, proclaiming, "Though He [God] slay me, yet will I trust Him" (Job 13:15).
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Job's Response to Adversity: Job's response to his trials is highlighted in the article. His wife, friends, and even his own health turned against him, but he refused to curse God. In the face of overwhelming adversity, Job declared his complete trust in God and acknowledged both the good and the adversity as coming from the Lord.
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Job's Declaration of Faith: The article mentions Job's powerful declaration: "I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth" (Job 19:25). This statement reflects Job's unwavering conviction in God's redemptive power and serves as a pinnacle of his faith during his ordeal.
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God's Testing and Character Refinement: The article asserts that God tested Job's faith and refined his character through the trials he faced. Despite the hardships, Job emerged from his ordeal as a better and wiser man, demonstrating patience amidst the upheaval of life.
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Biblical Perspective on Patience: The article concludes by emphasizing the significance of patience as one of the attributes of God. It suggests that God desires to perfect patience in His people, and the ability to endure suffering with patience is seen as a manifestation of God's power in our lives.
In summary, the article explores the biblical narrative of Job as a model of patience and unwavering faith in the face of adversity. Job's story serves as a timeless example of resilience and trust in God, even amidst life's most challenging circ*mstances.
