GOD BRAGS… SOMETIMES

• DAY 247
• FAITH FILE: JOB
• SCRIPTURES: JOB 1

Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them. And the LORD said to Satan, “From where do you come?” So Satan answered the LORD and said, “From going to and fro on the earth, and from walking back and forth on it.” Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?” And the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.” So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.

JOB 1:6-12

Every parent I know finds joy in talking about and bragging on their children. They are so proud of their children that they will talk about their children’s successes to their friends. Like, financial status, graduation, relationship status, children, etc. They do this relentlessly and proudly because they are parents. And I believe they got this quality from God because God likes to talk about us.

It’s What Parents Do

We have proof of that with David and Job in our text today. He just couldn’t stop himself from bragging about, this His child that is blameless and upright, that fears the Lord, and shuns evil. God never hesitates to talk about his children who love Him and are devoted to Him. Why? He is a parent and He’s proud of His children. We are flawed, fearful, and habitually make bad decisions but still God is pleased to talk about us.

However, talking about someone’s successes or bragging about them can open them up to envy. Other parents get upset or jealous or they start to compete and it brings unnecessary tension because everybody wants their child to be the best on the block. And we see that envy arises as God talks about Job. Satan is like, “he loves You because You love him. You’re always giving him things.” This conversation opens Job up to some challenges.

Small Talk, Big Problems

On this side of eternity, Job did not know the conversation that happened behind his back. He’s not sitting in heaven so he is completely unaware of the cause of his recent devastating problems and challenges. All he knows is that every single thing he had went in one swoop. In one season, he lost his children, business, most of his properties, all his money, his health, and most of his staff.

Imagine the devastation that Job had to go through as he went from the richest in the land to the most despised, the poorest, the ugliest, the most sick, and nothing to write home about. But in all of this, Job did not sin against God by apportioning blame to Him. What Job did instead was worship. I wonder the kind of faith that this man had for him to go through the worst situation in his life and say, “God, I praise you despite all this.”

It Might Be Your Turn

I don’t know how many of you God is bragging about right now in heaven that might result in unexpected challenges. I do know that He will talk about you at some point. So might I suggest that before that time even arises you begin to pray that you have the capacity to overcome. Because that faith is built BEFORE the season comes.

Beloved, commit that no matter what, the devil will not get the glory. That even if you are broken and hurt, God will get the glory. Why? Because even the enemy could not attack you without God’s permission. If He permits what He can stop in His power, He has a purpose, and glory to bring out. And so yes, it will hurt your flesh for the moment. But be of good cheer.

Pray

Ask the Lord for strength and grace to overcome trials and He will help you through, bringing you double blessings. God bless you.

Shalom.