This evening at Horizon Central in our series 66 Books, we’re looking at the book of Job.  Going through the book verse-by-verse can be a long, arduous process – almost a verbal version of Job’s actual trials.  It is also, however, a book with the happiest of all endings and that’s where the big lesson is.  James sums it up well for us in the New Testament:

Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord-that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.” – James 5:11 (NKJV)

Every trial has its limits.  Every temptation has its way out.  Every difficulty has an “end intended by the Lord,” through which He will reveal His very compassionate and merciful character.

No temptation [trial, test] has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted [tested, tried] beyond what you are able, but with the temptation [trial, test] will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” – 1 Corinthians 10:13 (NKJV)

Job also gives us an insight into the character and nature of Satan – which is just the opposite of God’s.  He was only interested in destroying Job.  His goal was to harm him, hurt him, make his life miserable, so that Job would give up, give in and ultimately reject God Himself.

This same cosmic struggle is played out each time we face a trial or temptation.  Every such moment is a moment of truth, in which we have the chance to succumb to the enemy’s wishes or trust God with all of our heart.  In submitting to the Lord’s will and waiting upon Him, we actually hand the devil one more crushing defeat.