Job 1:9-11 / Prove Satan Wrong
*We will take a break from sending out devotionals beginning in July.*
Today, we have an opportunity to prove Satan wrong in a similar way as Job. The book of Job starts with an exchange between Satan and God where Satan shows how foolish he is:
“Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for no reason? Have you not put a hedge around 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. But stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.”” Job 1:9-11 ESV
Satan suggests that Job only worships God because God gives Him earthly possessions, but if He stopped providing such things then Job would curse Him. It’s a bold assumption from the biggest fool of all time, but is it true? Of course not.
Twelve chapters later Job proves Satan wrong:
“Though he slay me, I will hope in him; yet I will argue my ways to his face. This will be my salvation, that the godless shall not come before him.” Job 13:15-16 ESV
Job showed that his hope was not in the worldly blessings of God, but in God Himself. The One who took everything is the same One who would bring salvation—and Job was content with Him alone.
All throughout history, faithful saints have exhibited the infinite value of Christ to the world by hoping in Him despite losing much in the world. It’s a testimony to a better possession in Jesus. And it’s the key to contentment despite worldly loss.
We have an opportunity to prove Satan wrong every day. What will our losses reveal about what we treasure: will we curse God to His face, or will we prove Satan wrong by treasuring God the most?
The greatest gift of the Gospel is God. So, ask Him for strength to have contentment in Him despite worldly loss. Ask Him for a heart like the apostle Paul, who expressed contentment in all circumstances trusting Jesus to provide strength:
“I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me." Philippians 4:12-13 ESV
Let this be our prayer: “Father, fashion my heart to treasure you above all else. Provide strength through Jesus to help me endure any circumstance. I want to be so satisfied in you alone that losing or gaining earthly possessions would never make me forsake you. I hope in you, and I receive what you allow to happen in my life trusting that you’re working it for my eternal good. Amen.”
If you want to dig deeper into this, need help, need prayer, or have questions—please reach out to us here: Roots Help & Prayer Form.
In Christ,
Pastor Kevin