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Circumstances

I’m sitting here in the garage of my eldest brother’s home after arriving yesterday. It’s morning and I’m by myself even though there are about 20 people here already with more expected by week’s end. 

As I consider this article I am reminded of Job 1:6, “Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them.” NASB. This verse reminds me often of how Satan was allowed into the presence of the Lord, but why? The Lord is creator of all things, including the fallen angels. He, God, still has all authority over them (good and bad angels) and they are all still required to give an account to God.

Verse 7 says, “The LORD said to Satan, “From where do you come?” Then Satan answered the LORD and said, “From roaming about on the earth and walking around on it.” Satan is present among us, but he is not omni-presence. Meaning he cannot be in all-places at all-times like God. Verse 8, “The LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, fearing God and turning away from evil.” 9. “Then Satan answered the LORD, “Does Job fear God for nothing? 10. “Have You not made a hedge about him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. 11. “But put forth Your hand now and touch all that he has, he will surely curse You to Your face.” NASB. I believe this shows even Satan knows God’s power is stronger than his own power. Satan understood without God removing His “hedge about” Job he (Satan) had no power to tempt Job.

Verse 12, “Then the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power, only do not put forth your hand on him.” So, Satan departed from the presence of the LORD.” God granted Satan’s desire. Why? I believe it is because God knew Job better than Satan. God knew Job could come through anything Satan would try and still Job would love the Lord. Here’s what Satan did to Job, starting in verse 13, “Now on the day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkey feeding beside them, and the Sabeans attacked and took them. They also slew the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants and consumed them, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three bands and made a raid on the camels and took them and slew the servants with the edge of the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “Your sons and your daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, and behold, a great wind came from across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people and they died, and I alone have escaped to tell you.” Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head, and he fell to the ground and worshiped. He said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I shall return there. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.” Through all this Job did not sin nor did he blame God.” NASB.

WOW! Can you imagine the pain, anguish and emotions Job must have been feeling? Yet, he praised the Lord! Is it time we examine ourselves and our situations? Have we cursed God because of them, or, have we praised God despite them? Think about it!

GR (Jerry) Niver

CMA Ohio State Coordinator

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