Throughout my years of ministry, I have consistently supported members of the family of faith with encouragement, biblical counsel, and assistance during challenging times which include sudden loss, unjust circumstances, and struggle. Adversity is inevitable in life. We must survive and thrive. We must endure these seasons to see the fruit produced and flourish.
Jesus promised conflicts, trials, and suffering (John 16:33). But how do some seem to navigate life and do more than just get through it? How do some thrive rather than wilt and remain stuck in turmoil? How is it that some don’t look like the mess they’ve gone through once that season ends?
Consider Job in the Old Testament, a man of wealth, accomplishment, and known to be righteous. His society and friends viewed him as a blessed man. That didn’t, however, mean a life of ease or lack of trial. Job is synonymous with suffering.
Job lost his entire family of ten children and his household wealth within a span of hours in one day (Job 1:13-22). What was his response?
““Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will leave this life. The LORD gives, and the LORD takes away. Praise the Name of Yahweh.”
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Really?! Praise?! But that wasn’t the end of the suffering!
Within the days that followed, he was afflicted with a disgusting and isolating skin disease (Job 2:4-8) along with “friends” who initially showed up to support him in silence (Job 2:13). But their welcomed presence turned into a recitation of their ideas of his wrongs that led to his unspeakable ruin and loss.
Among the responses Job gave to his condemning and self-righteous friends was this amazing declaration in Job 19:25:
“But I know my Redeemer lives...I will see God in my flesh, I will see Him myself...”
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You may not have loss on the magnitude of Job, but you hurt and look for answers. You may face unimaginable loss and struggle. But we all must ask, “How in the world did Job speak such wisdom and hope in the midst of his loss of everything?”
First we must understand and acknowledge every single human is in a spiritual war. Paul correctly explained we do not war against flesh and blood in Ephesians 6:12. But we do war against spirits that influence our minds, beliefs, actions, and state of being. Satan, as Job learned and as Jesus said Himself, comes to steal, kill, and destroy.
That was his intent with Job. That’s his intent with you, with me, and all who dare to live life in the love of Christ. Yes. As with Job, Satan wants to literally steal your usefulness, kill any dreams of good and great days in your future, and destroy any hope which leads to a weaken faith in yourself and in Jesus Christ.
Job declared in Job 13:15, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. Even so, I will defend my own ways before Him.” How in the world does anyone do that? How do we trust when everything has gone wrong?
Job’s remarkable faith began with a decision. Job’s faith stemmed from the decision to believe God to be greatest and trustworthy above all. His mindset was certainly in a battle between focusing on his dire circumstances in contrast to the goodness of Almighty God He knew to be true.
Job decided to believe God versus the accuser who wants to steal, kill, and destroy. Job decided to abide in the promises of God rather than the prison of his suffering.
To endure and thrive, maintain your faith and remain steadfast in God's word. Engage in regular reading, prayer, and reflection to understand both Satan's strategies and God's purpose in our lives. Emphasize the importance of faith during crises and recognize the success that follows those who abide in God.
Don’t Quit! Win! Fight! Trust God! Keep your heart and Bible OPEN. Things will get better if you abide but move through the season. Keep moving!
I challenge you to take the next 5 days to read, pray, and press in to see yourself in the book of Job. Go deeper beyond the struggles to see the strategy of both Satan and God in our lives. Understand the significance of faith in a crisis or loss. But also see the success that comes with those who abide in God and trust Him. Watch the sermon I preached on surviving and thriving. Come back to this devotional and spend some time on the challenge questions and practical applications below to apply God’s Word in making sure you do more than just survive. Make sure you thrive.
Father, in the name of Jesus, I bind suicide, depression, and a spirit of FEAR off of all of those who are reading this devotional. I speak faith and not fear into their lives and pray that You would help them to not just survive, but THRIVE in the midst of difficulties and trials. Even in the bad times, we will praise You and stand firm in our faith that You are working all things together for our good. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!!
Now, go deeper; abide in the Word of God; survive and thrive.
Challenge Questions:
This devotional and sermon discuss Job's integrity and sincere faith. How can we cultivate sincerity in our relationship with God, especially during good times?
Job's friends gave him poor advice during his suffering. Have you ever received unhelpful "spiritual" advice during a difficult time? How did you handle it?
Remember a time when you were able to praise God despite challenging circumstances. How did it impact your faith?
Job 13:15 says, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him." What does this verse mean to you personally? How can we maintain trust in God when life feels unfair?
Job's story shows that trials are often temporary. How can keeping an eternal perspective help us endure difficult seasons?
Practical Applications:
This week, practice intentional worship during a challenging moment or day. Share your experience with a friend or family member.
Identify someone in your life who may be going through a trial. Reach out to them with encouragement, avoiding the mistake of Job's friends by listening more than speaking.
Reflect on a past trial in your life. Write down ways you've seen God work through that situation or how it strengthened your faith.
Memorize Job 19:25-27 as a reminder of hope during difficult times.
Spend time in prayer asking God to help you trust His sovereignty, even in areas of your life that feel uncertain or painful.