Some of the most amazing words of faith found anywhere in Scripture are from the book of Job. Destroyed though innocent, Job concluded that only one had the power to bring such swift destruction. Why did God count him as an enemy (13:24; 19:11)? Why was God persecuting him (16:9)? Why was God crushing him without a cause (9:17)?
Finite of mind and lacking all knowledge, Job was unaware that the adverse of God and man had swallowed him whole as a serpent of its prey. Fully convinced that God had “destroyed me on every side” (19:10), Job still maintained his faith and trust in the Almighty. Statements such as, “Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him. He also shall be my salvation” (13:15-16a); and “But he knoweth the way that I take: when he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold” (23:10), seem to be beyond comprehension. Such was Job’s faith in God.
Another statement that astounds the reader denotes Job’s faith as both strong and enduring.
Upright men shall be astonied at this, and the innocent shall stir up himself against the hypocrite. The righteous also shall hold on his way, and he that hath clean hands shall be stronger and stronger (Job 17:8-9).
Indeed, righteous men are appalled at the destruction of such a just man like Job. Moreover, the slanderous attacks and false accusations hurled at Job, stir our spirits against Eliphaz and his cohorts (4:7-8; 8:5-6; 11:5-6; et al). But Job’s attitude that “the righteous” will not only “hold his way” but also “be stronger and stronger” may be the monumental statement of the book!
Job, the righteous man of our text, knew he was innocent of all charges. He could not understand or explain his suffering, but he refused falsely to confess wrong (27:5). Job could say without fear of contradiction, “My foot hath held his steps, his way have I kept, and not declined” (23:11). And, though falsely charged with violence and oppression (22:5-9), he knew God could see all his ways and was counting all his steps (31:4). Therefore, Job would walk in his integrity. He would maintain the right ways of God. He would trust in his Redeemer (19:25).
Job did not understand why God was “destroying” him. Job was unaware that Satan was the persecutor. He could not explain his suffering. But Job knew that by trusting in God through such trials he would come forth “stronger and stronger.”
In this life, we also face trials that defy explanation. We cannot understand “Why God is doing this.” In truth, man’s sufferings originate with the adversary, not the Almighty.
Brothers and sisters, let us continue to walk in our integrity. Let us hold the steps of God and keep His way. In so doing, we will not only grow stronger and stronger but also glorify and magnify God.
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