How to Hold On

“In the land of Uz there lived a man whose name was Job. This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil” (Job 1:1).

Job was a model father, completely dedicated to God and his children. His family got along well. His family was wealthy. With plenty of money to go around and everyone getting along so well, it is easy to understand why Job was so dedicated to God, right? Who wouldn’t be happy or content in this kind of environment? But as the story goes we learn that one day, he lost everything (Job 1:13-22). Job was a man who knew trouble and temptation, and yet he boldly claimed, "Though He slay me, I will hope in Him" (Job 13:15). Job had lost his children, home, servants, fortune, and his health, but he refused to abandon his trust in God. Even though Job experienced tremendous loss, he was committed to put his hope and faith in the Lord.

The most telling picture of Job’s faithfulness came as he sat among the ashes, an ancient symbol of mourning, scraping his sores with a piece of broken pottery. His wife, who had experienced the same gut-wrenching losses as Job, offered her advice. In a fit of rage, she verbally attacked Job and his faith in God: “Why not just end it all, Job? Just curse God and die” (Job 2:9). Job knew better. His faith in God didn’t depend on possessions or, for that matter, even his family or his own physical health. He knew that the Ruler of his life had every right to allow such afflictions. He had taken a step deeper than most of us will do: “Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” (Job 2:10).

When we take our eyes off the busyness of day-to-day activity and events, and instead, concentrate on honoring God and following in His ways, we find a consistent peace that carries us through both times of plenty and in need. Commit to trust and follow Him through any setbacks, difficulty, and temptations. God, who never changes, is committed to caring for you in all circumstances and will never leave you or forget you.

Unwavering commitment to trust the Lord in all situations is a cornerstone of unshakable faith. It is easy to be distracted by circumstances and allow them to dictate our emotions. But if that's the case, then when life is good, we're happy; when times are tough, we're frustrated; and when difficulty comes, we're downright miserable and looking for escape in sex, food, alcohol, drugs, work, activity, or give-up all together. Unlike Job, we are fortunate to have Scripture, which reveals God's nature and promises. It is a wise believer who claims those promises when enduring hardship. The Bible tells us that our Father is always good, always just, always faithful, and always trustworthy. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” (Heb. 13:8). “Cast all your anxiety on him because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Heb. 13:5).

Job went on to live a long and prosperous life. “The Lord blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the first” (Job 42:12). Through it all, Job learned humility, and gained a greater understanding of God’s mercy and grace. Just as Job’s life was restored, our loving Heavenly Father wants to restore you completely. What difficult circumstances are you experiencing that are blocking your faith and hope in the Lord?