ESOCS Devotional 2 November 2024 – Steadfastness in the Face of Adversity
MEMORY VERSE: “In all this job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly” Luke 15:11
TEXT: JOB 1:13-22
Now there was a day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house; 14 and a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them, 15 when the Sabeans raided them and took them away—indeed they have killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”
16 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants, and [c]consumed them; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”
17 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three bands, raided the camels and took them away, yes, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”
18 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, 19 and suddenly a great wind came from [d]across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people, and they are dead; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”
20 Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped. 21 And he said:
“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
And naked shall I return there.
The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away;
Blessed be the name of the Lord.”
22 In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong.
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How do you explain waking up in the morning only to be told that all your investment has crashed, just like that? What reaction will you portray on seeing that the goodbye you bade your children on your way to work has turned to be a goodbye for eternity? How will you feel being faced with the reality that everything you have laboured and lived for, just disappeared in one night?
This was the case with Job. A man confronted with multiple adversities; yet, manifested an unusual kind of strength and steadfastness in God. Many times, life presents us with diverse challenges and circumstances all with a view to make us derail. But we must make up our mind that despite the confrontations of life we remain steadfast till the end.
Here are the steadfastness indicators of Job: First, Job lived a sinless life, he lost all his children but did not sin. His investments crumbled but he never sinned. His properties burnt down to ashes, yet he did not contemplate committing any form of sin. Therefore, adversities of life are not a license for sinful existence.
Secondly, Job expressed great reverence for God; despite his travails, he never spoke nor acted foolishly against God. He openly showed his respect and absolute reverence to God. There are times when troubles come our way and we are tempted to show some dishonour and disregard for God. But this was not the case with Job; he feared God to the letter; we are thus, admonished to uphold our reverence for God in all circumstances.
- Never give up when confronted with adversities of life
- Sinfulness and foolishness should never be contemplated in the face of trouble
- Father, thank you for your Word; preserve me from all adversities and give me the grace never to sin against you, no matter the situation, in Jesus name. Amen.
Further Reading: Proverbs 9:1-10; 1 Corinthians 12:12-end
ESOCS Devotional 2 November 2024
