Ultimate Test of Faith

Job 1: 6-12
6 One day the angels came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them. 7 The LORD said to Satan, "Where have you come from?"

Satan answered the LORD, "From roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it."

8 Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil."

9 "Does Job fear God for nothing?" Satan replied. 10 "Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. 11 But stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face."

12 The LORD said to Satan, "Very well, then, everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger."

Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.

Most High and Sovereign King,
I know that You rule over the entire universe from Your throne in heaven. All power and might belong to You. Even the Prince of Darkness submits to Your almighty authority. Nothing can happen without your permission. Satan always has to answer to Your Highness. Knowing and believing the truth about your sovereignty makes it easier to obey Your command to rejoice and give thanks in ALL things.

When others mistreat me, I can give thanks. In the midst of misfortune, I can rejoice. Through difficult circumstances You’re building and strengthening my character. If I believe You are who You say You are, God Most High, who rules and overrules everything in heaven and earth, I will trust Your perfect love to see me through difficult tests and tough trials.

Just because I’m walking closely with You doesn’t mean You won’t allow bad things to happen. Many people have superficial faith, believing You when things are going well, but denying You when life gets rough. Adversity destroys superficial faith, but strengthens real faith. Do I really believe You? If I do, I will cling tightly to You. You will be my Life Line. Firmly attached to You with the belt of Truth, I will praise Your heavenly name, and recognize You for who You are and not for what You give.

Knowing that Satan has to ask Your permission to torment me helps me to understand. While You allow him to do so, to test my faith, You also put limits on him. He can take away my family and all my possessions, but He can’t destroy me! I am Yours! Please dear Lord, give me faith to believe so that I can stand firm like Job through the storms of life. Amen.

What do you believe about God? Do you believe He is who He says He is? During difficult circumstances do you cling to the Life Line of God Most High or do You abandon Him? It’s a test of faith.