The story of Job, as hard as it is to read, has a powerful message for each of us. When life hits us with curveballs, suffering, and hardship, we often find ourselves questioning and struggling with God, just as Job did. We feel wounded by God, and often struggle to trust Him again. We even charge Him for acting unjustly in our lives, measuring His actions by our standards.
Job’s world shattered, everything he loved, he lost. He tried to figure out the reasons why and kept coming to the same conclusion, that it could not possibly be due to his sin, as he knew his heart was pure and his walk was upright.
In the midst of his pain and immense suffering, he had his closest friends by his side. However, through their lack of understanding and discernment, they looked only on the surface, judging and blaming him for his calamity.
His breakthrough-moment started, when his eyes opened to see God, His greatness, and His sovereignty. He was humbled as God revealed Himself to him, recognizing that he is not God’s equal. Deep-felt repentance followed as the fear of the Lord filled his heart… that was the start of his restoration.
The incredible thing is, God forgave him and vindicated him. God spoke to his friends and set the record straight regarding their judgments of him. Job didn’t have to defend himself in the end. God did it all for him.
The complete breakthrough came, when he prayed for his friends. This is seriously the biggest miracle-moment in anyone’s life. When you start to pray for those who have wounded/judged you, it causes the greatest deliverance for your own soul. It sets you free and leaves you feeling a love for them, you never thought was possible. God changes our hearts towards people, as we pray. Thát was the moment the doors of blessing swung open, and restoration was brought forth.
So, I encourage you, if there’s been a deep suffering in your soul – place before you, the greatness of God. See Him for Who He is… magnificent Creator of everything. Bow before Him in humility and repent of striving and struggling with Him. Repent of blaming and judging Him for your suffering. Then start praying prayers of forgiveness and love over those who have wounded you.
Wait and see what God will do. Blessings shall overtake you, the sweetness of forgiveness shall bring forth a restoration and inheritance of the latter rain. Restitution of things lost, will be your portion.
Job 42
Job’s Confession and Repentance
1Then Job answered the LORD and said:
2“I know that you can do all things,
and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.
3‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’
Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand,
things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.
4‘Hear, and I will speak;
I will question you, and you make it known to me.’
5I had heard of you by the hearing of the ear,
but now my eye sees you;
6therefore I despise myself,
and repenta in dust and ashes.”The LORD Rebukes Job’s Friends
7After the LORD had spoken these words to Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite: “My anger burns against you and against your two friends, for you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has. 8Now therefore take seven bulls and seven rams and go to my servant Job and offer up a burnt offering for yourselves. And my servant Job shall pray for you, for I will accept his prayer not to deal with you according to your folly. For you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has.” 9So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went and did what the LORD had told them, and the LORD accepted Job’s prayer.
The LORD Restores Job’s Fortunes
10And the LORD restored the fortunes of Job, when he had prayed for his friends. And the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before. 11Then came to him all his brothers and sisters and all who had known him before, and ate bread with him in his house. And they showed him sympathy and comforted him for all the evilb that the LORD had brought upon him. And each of them gave him a piece of moneyc and a ring of gold.
12And the LORD blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning. And he had 14,000 sheep, 6,000 camels, 1,000 yoke of oxen, and 1,000 female donkeys. 13He had also seven sons and three daughters. 14And he called the name of the first daughter Jemimah, and the name of the second Keziah, and the name of the third Keren-happuch. 15And in all the land there were no women so beautiful as Job’s daughters. And their father gave them an inheritance among their brothers. 16And after this Job lived 140 years, and saw his sons, and his sons’ sons, four generations. 17And Job died, an old man, and full of days.
