This story about Job shows us that sometimes things happen on earth because of decisions in heaven. Did you know that God’s angels and Satan’s angels are at war? History books tell us about big wars such as World War I and World War II. The Bible is the only book that tells about the Angel Wars. Satan was once a good angel, but he and other angels sinned. For thousands of years, the bad angels have been fighting against good angels and God’s people.
The interesting part about our story is that God asked Satan if he had noticed Job. God said there was no one like Job in the entire world! He was innocent, honest, stayed away from evil and honored God.
When bad things happen to people, it’s easy to think that God must be punishing them. Job shows us that sometimes God tests his servants. God wants to show fallen angels that his people will continue to love him even when bad things happen to them. God knew that Job loved him more than he loved his family and things.
When bad things happen, God gives us a choice: to trust him or to doubt his goodness. For Job this was a really BIG test. God even allowed Satan to destroy Job’s children, servants and property. Instead of questioning or blaming God, Job said, “The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. Praise the name of the Lord!” (Job 1:21).
Next, God allowed Satan to make Job very sick. Painful sores came all over Job’s body. UGH! Job didn’t understand why all this was happening, but he continued to believe God was with him. It wasn’t easy because his wife told him to “curse God and die.” But Job hung in there.
And you know what? The story turned out great. God rewarded Job by giving him everything back and making him even richer than ever before. “Trust the Lord completely, and don’t depend on your own knowledge. With every step you take, think about what the Lord wants, and he will help you go the right way” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Think About This: We may not understand why bad things happen, but we know that God is good all the time.
Memorize This Truth: “The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. Praise the name of the Lord!” (Job 1:21).