We have been studying the book of Job in the Old Testament the last two weeks. We’ve focused on a number of tests Job endured as Satan attacked him. When Job finally endured all his tests he broke through to a new dimension of intimacy in his relationship with God, described in Job 42.
But the plan of God for his life was not over. There was more. God indicted his three friends for what they had said. They were instructed to offer up a burnt offering for themselves. God said, then “my servant Job will pray for you, and I will accept his prayer and not deal with you according to your folly” (verse 8). When Job prayed the Lord accepted his prayer and forgave his friends.
When God deals with us and heals us He does so to be able to use us as a channel of blessing to others: even some who have tormented us. We are not to pine over the past. Rather, we should press on with God to new dimensions of intimate relationship with Him and with others. We should trust God to do exceeding, abundantly above all we ever ask or think. It says, “The Lord blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the first.”
It will always be worth it in the end, no matter what God might allow us to experience until the end. He uses all the tests, or series of tests, in our lives to accomplish good. Our part is to hang in there by faith until that good is realized. And when it is realized, we will be in a place in life where God can use us to be a blessing to others. Pursue this in your own life until it becomes a reality.
