“He has made me a byword of the peoples, and I am one before whom men spit. My eye has grown dim from vexation, and all my members are like a shadow. The upright are appalled at this, and the innocent stirs himself up against the godless. Yet the righteous holds to his way, and he who has clean hands grows stronger and stronger.” (v6-9)
Job recognizes his own current heart circumstance, and the point to which he has been humbled. He poetically describes just how low he has been brought (“one before whom men spit”, and the “upright / innocent are appalled” at him).
Yet, Job clings to a glimmer of hope: “Yet the righteous holds to his way, and he who has clean hands grows stronger and stronger.” Job is standing his ground, knowing that he is becoming stronger through this time of suffering.
In our current global trial, we have a couple of options – we can relinquish our hope and resign ourselves to a “whatever happens, happens” attitude, or, we can stand firm in our faith and trust that we will be stronger on the other side if we continue abiding in our relationship with God. Trials don’t really allow for a neutral position – we either grow stronger, or we grow weaker, there isn’t really an in between.
“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (Jas 1:2-4) “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” (1 Pt 5:8-10)
We have a choice during a trial – trust in God to strengthen and carry us through it, or face the trial without God and not receive the restoration and strength we need. We know that Job is eventually physically restored by God and receives more than he lost, because he remains rooted in his trust in God (spoiler alert, sorry). I encourage us to do the same, and continue to strengthen our faith and trust in God in this time of trial, knowing that our perseverance will increase and we will receive the ultimate restoration we need.
Clarification: It’s possible we will only receive a spiritual restoration in heaven, and not a physical restoration in this lifetime, but don’t be discouraged by that, because this is the long-term reward God promises. God does not necessarily promise us physical restoration in this world, but a restoration into His eternal presence. “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” (Jas 1:12)
Father God, our Sovereign King, holy and righteous is Your name. We honor and praise You, for You are worthy of praise. Thank you for Your continued patience with us, upholding us, strengthening us, and carrying us through life’s trials. May we grow stronger in our faith, stronger in our relationship with You, and become a stronger influence on those around us. May we glorify You with our words and actions, bringing You honor and praise in the eyes of those around us. May all heaven and earth rejoice in Your mighty deeds, our Lord and King, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training