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The Crown of Life

    The book of Job is all about a man who lost it all. You would think that it was the consequence of a sinful lifestyle or mistakes that he's made, but you'll find that this story is just the opposite. You probably know that the earth is overrun by Satan and his fallen angels whose one goal is to keep us away from Jesus and take us with them to their eternal death sentence in hell. That in mind, the Bible records a conversation between Satan and God regarding Job and his faithfulness.

    The Lord tells Satan how faithful a servant Job is and Satan challenges that. He says that Job would not still love God if He was not protecting him and blessing him like He was. Then God gave Satan permission to test Job's faith. He gave him power over everything Job owned. Satan took everything from Job-- his house, his living, his kids, his wife, etc.

    Still after it all, Job refused to blame God. He had such confidence in God's loving character that he praised Him even through the darkness and pain. After it all, God blessed Job twice as much as before and he was restored. It's hard to believe anyone could go through that with the confidence of Job, but I pray to God that we might be able to withstand testing in our lives and to receive the crown that comes from perseverance. No matter what trials you face in life, always know that God is good and faithful and He will restore you.

Job 1:20-22 At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said:
“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
and naked I will depart.
The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away;
may the name of the Lord be praised.”
In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing. (NIV)

 Job 42:10 After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD restored his fortunes and gave him twice as much as he had before. (NIV)

  James 1:12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. (NIV)

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