"Surrendering control back into God's hands produces the desired results and even surpasses what we could achieve on our own..."

Loss, undoubtedly, is one of the most challenging experiences we face as humans. Whether it's the loss of a job, a loved one, a business, or even our own sense of self, we often find ourselves questioning God's plan, especially if we are believers.

In our recent blog post, we delved into the story of Joseph, a young man who lost his family, freedom, and homeland. Despite such immense loss, Joseph remained steadfast in his faith and devoted to serving God. However, I must admit that, like many, I sometimes find myself behaving more like Job, another individual whose story of loss is shared in the Bible. If you're reading this and feeling more like Job than Joseph, struggling to maintain your composure and faith during tough times, then this blog post is specifically for you. It is meant to remind you that God is still with you, even as you wrestle with doubts and questions in your current situation.

The scripture from 2 Corinthians 4:17 provides comfort in times of hardship, reminding us that our troubles, though temporary, are working towards an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. Yet, when we are going through difficult times, we often long for immediate solutions instead of mere reassurances. This impatience can lead us to become frustrated, complain, doubt God's presence, and even speak negatively about our circumstances, ourselves, and most importantly, about God. Let's take a closer look at Job's life to fully grasp this concept.

At the beginning of the Book of Job, we are introduced to a man named Job, dwelling in the land of Uz. Job was blameless, upright, and deeply devoted to God. He possessed immense wealth, with his possessions valued at millions in today's currency, making him one of the most prosperous individuals in the region.

However, unbeknownst to Job, there was a celestial council where Satan appeared before God, and Job's name was mentioned. It is important to note that Job was not part of this meeting, yet he was profoundly affected by it. Many times, the things that we don't comprehend are those in which we were not directly involved but still impact our lives. For example, when government officials make decisions that affect our children's education or our finances, we realize that we were not part of those meetings, yet the consequences directly affect us. My prayer and hope are that, after reading this blog, you will be encouraged to understand that when God discusses you, it is not to harm you but to prepare you for the greatest revelation of His power and glory in your life.

Job suddenly experienced the loss of everything. His wealth, his children, and even his wife left him. At this point, Job didn't understand why all of this was happening, yet he remained faithful to God. There are valuable lessons we can learn from Job's story that will help us navigate and make sense of challenging seasons in our own lives.

1. Not Everyone Will Stand By You in Tough Times:

Job's wife, who had been with him during his best days, turned against him when he lost everything. She encouraged him to curse God and die, despite Job's unwavering devotion to God. This reveals that some people we believe are close to us may only be interested in what we have, rather than truly caring for us. Job's wife eventually abandoned him. It is crucial to evaluate and appreciate those who stand by us during our darkest times, as they are the ones who genuinely love us.

2. Surround Yourself with Quality People in Tough Times:

While it may seem beneficial to have people around us during tough times, it is essential to seek out high-quality individuals. In Job's case, he had friends who were present during his darkest hour, but unfortunately, they were not the best quality friends for such a challenging period. The advice they gave him contradicted God's plan for Job. This serves as a lesson for anyone seeking support during tough times. Surround yourself with people who know God, understand His Word, and can hear from the Spirit. Not all good advice aligns with God's will, and as believers, we must always seek God's guidance, not just good advice.

3. God's Plan is Always Superior to Our Own:

When Job realized the magnitude of his losses, he tore his garments, reaching his lowest point. It is important to note that reaching this point is not wrong; what is wrong is remaining in that state indefinitely. In the midst of his loss, Job proclaims, "When men are cast down, then thou shalt say, There is lifting up; and he shall save the humble person" (Job 22:29). From chapter 3 to chapter 41, there is an exchange of words between Job, his friends, and God. Job questions God, his friends misrepresent God to him, and eventually, God breaks His silence and poses difficult questions to Job. It becomes evident who is in charge and who has the power to change Job's situation. This encounter with God humbles Job to the point where, in chapter 42, he is ready to listen.

How often do we choose not to listen to God because we want things done our way? Our failure to heed God's voice reveals the pride we carry, as we desire to be in control. For Job's situation to change, he had to come to a place of humility, where he was willing to listen and learn without argument. In response, Job acknowledges God's omnipotence and surrenders his own will, admitting that God's plan is superior. He recognizes that God is all-powerful and capable of anything.

Surrendering control back into God's hands produces the desired results and even surpasses what we could achieve on our own.

In that same chapter, God gives instructions to Job's friends, and when they follow those instructions, their fortunes and situations change. Job's story teaches us that he was blessed twice as much as before, a testament to God's faithfulness. What may seem like a setback is often God's biggest setup for our lives. For a more comprehensive understanding of this message, I encourage you to visit our YouTube channel and watch the sermon titled "Lessons From the Book of Job." Thank you for reading, and may God bless you.