During last week’s Sunday service, I conducted a sermon on endurance. Often, I’ve connected deeply with the story of Job in the Bible, so it is what I based my sermon on. His endurance as he suffered and waited on God is what I encourage every believer to practice in their daily lives. As we looked into the Book of Job, the main question we focused on was, What does Satan do to Job?
Job 1:6-22 implies that Satan tempted Job after God allowed him to. The Bible explains that Job was a blameless and upright servant of God. When the devil was roaming the earth, looking for someone to devour, God permitted him to try His servant Job. It was not that God wanted Job to suffer, but He knew that His servant was strong enough to resist the devil, even if all was taken away from him.
In this article, I invite you to join me as we delve into the topic of endurance about Job. We will also look into important questions that many ask around this topic, including why God allowed Satan to test his servant, how Satan expected Job to react, and how God’s servant finally responded to all this suffering. So read on to find out the answers you’re looking for.
Where in the Bible can I read about Satan tempting Job?
The book of Job 1:13-22 explains how Satan tempted Job by taking away his property and causing his children to die. The plan was for Satan to torture Job until he gave in and denied God. It is very shocking how one instant, his house was in order, and there was plenty of food and joy in their hearts. Then the next minute, calamities struck his home.
However, Satan thought that God’s servant had not had enough pain because he still had his health intact. Therefore, in Job 2:7-8, the scripture speculates that Satan again went for Job’s health, by striking him with sickness from his head to his feet.
Why did God bet with Satan in the Book of Job?
A first-time reading of the book of Job made me find God to be quite unfair to his servant Job. I kept on wondering why He had to bet with Satan and then let Job suffer over their argument. However, when I went deeper into my spiritual understanding, it all made sense.
God did not give up on His servant. Job 1:9 implies why God betted with Satan over his servant. Satan believed that Job only remained faithful to God since it profited him. This is why the Lord bet with Satan, trusting that his servant was strong enough in faith to stick to Him even during his trial and tribulation.
Why did God allow Satan to test Job?
God wanted to communicate how important it is to be faithful even during the worst circumstances, for He is a good and just God. Romans 8:28 implies God’s purpose in our lives. It says, ‘And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.’ This scripture suggests that as Christians, we may experience both good and bad times, but we should hold on to God’s love, for He has a bigger purpose in mind. In the end, all these contribute to a good end as God works them out.
God allowed Satan to test Job so that, eventually, His name would be glorified. This is why eventually, Job’s obedience was rewarded according to Job 42:10-17.
How many times did Satan attack Job?
According to the Bible, Satan attacked Job twice. The first instance was when he attacked Job’s property, including his livestock, his property, and his children. The Bible implies that Job tore his clothes in anguish but still did not go against the Lord. His second attack was when Satan destroyed Job’s health. The Bible explains that God’s servant had sores all over his body and even used broken pottery to scrub his body.
How did Satan expect Job to react to this test?
Job 1:9-11 speculates that Satan expected Job to go against God when calamities were thrown at him. He implied that if God were to take away all that He had blessed Job with, then Job would be overwhelmed enough to give up on God. According to Satan, Job was only for God because it was convenient for him. Satan kept on insinuating that God’s servant was superficial since he was benefiting. Furthermore, Job 2:4-5 implies that Satan expected Job to curse God for attacking his health. This is why he tested the Lord’s servant.
What was Job’s response to his suffering?
Job’s response to his suffering is what surprises most of us. Think about it, if you were to be stroked with calamities like Job was, would you still trust in God and hold on to His love as you wait for Him to come to your rescue? Very few would. Yet Job did just that. In Job 42:1-6, the Bible implies that he confessed and repented to God for doubting Him and for justifying himself instead of God’s actions.
We see that throughout his trial and tribulation, he was taunted by his family and friends. His wife asked him to curse his maker and die. His friends even condemned him, saying he brought all the calamities on himself. They believed he must have done something to be in this terrible situation. Yet Job chose silence and continued trusting God to answer him and save him from these calamities (Job 2:10).
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
