Saturday, July 16, 2016

All or Nothing - Praise Him




Job's sons and daughters were having a feast in the home of his oldest son, when someone rushed up to Job and said, “While your servants were plowing with your oxen, and your donkeys were nearby eating grass, a gang of Sabeans attacked and stole the oxen and donkeys! Your other servants were killed, and I am the only one who escaped to tell you.”
That servant was still speaking, when a second one came running and said, “God sent down a fire that killed your sheep and your servants. I am the only one who escaped to tell you.”
Before that servant finished speaking, a third one raced up and said, “Three gangs of Chaldeans attacked and stole your camels! All of your other servants were killed, and I am the only one who escaped to tell you.” That servant was still speaking, when a fourth one dashed up and said, “Your children were having a feast and drinking wine at the home of your oldest son, when suddenly a windstorm from the desert blew the house down, crushing all of your children. I am the only one who escaped to tell you.” When Job heard this, he tore his clothes and shaved his head because of his great sorrow. He knelt on the ground, then worshiped God and said:

“We bring nothing at birth;
we take nothing
with us at death.
The Lord alone gives and takes.
Praise the name of the Lord!”

In spite of everything, Job did not sin or accuse God of doing wrong.

Job 1:13-22

Job was the “man of God” that nobody wants to be like.  God allowed Satan to test Job by taking away the blessings that God had given him.  Job lost everything except his wife, and I think at the time, she was not being a blessing to Job. 

We may joyfully praise the Lord when we receive blessings from the Hand of the Lord, but can we praise Him when those same blessings are taken away?     

If God never blessed any of His children, He would still be worthy of praise!   Of course you should praise the Lord when He blesses you.  But be ready to praise Him if that same blessing is taken away!


“Lord Jesus, help me today praise You for who You are, not just what the things You have given me!  May I like Your servant Job be ready to say, ‘The Lord gives and takes,’ praise the name of the Lord.  Amen.”

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