The Perseverance of Job

Trials and sufferings are a part of life. This is no less true of the life of a Christian. However, for the Christian, there is the hope of eternal life in heaven. John wrote, “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away” (Rev. 21:4 NKJV). The reward of heaven motivates us to overcome. The example of steadfastness encourages us to persevere in the faith, despite the obstacles we face.

My brethren, take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. 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 5:10-11)

When we think of Job, we think of perseverance. Thayer defined the word “perseverance” (Gk. hupomone) as being “the characteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings.” The LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?” (Job 1:8). Could God say this concerning us?

Job is an example of suffering. Satan took away his children and his possessions (Job 1:13-19). First, the Sabeans stole his oxen and donkeys and killed his servants (vv. 13-15). Second, fire burned up his sheep and his servants (v. 16). Third, the Chaldeans stole his camels and killed his servants (v. 17). Fourth, a great wind collapsed the house of his oldest son, which fell upon his sons and daughters, killing them (vv. 18-19). Later, Satan “struck Job with painful boils from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head” (Job 2:7). Keep in mind that Job’s wife also suffered, having lost her children and the health of her husband (Job 2:9). How would we deal with such an ordeal?

Job is an example of patience. After loosing his children and possessions, he “fell to the ground and worshiped” (Job 1:20). Did Job suffer? Oh, yes! Yet Job held fast to his “integrity” (Job 2:3). Men often blame God for far less than what Job endured. Even after loosing so much, the Bible says, “In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong” (Job 1:22). Even after being struck with painful boils, Job could say to his wife, “Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” (Job 2:10). Though Job did not understand why he suffered, “In all this Job did not sin with his lips” (Job 2:10).

Yes, trials and sufferings are a part of life. We see men and women, young and old, rich and poor, all experience afflictions. Some persevere while others give up. What drives men like Job to hang on? Job believed in a bodily resurrection! He believed that, though he would die, he would live again to see God and be redeemed (c.f. Job 14:14; 19:23-27). Are you prepared for the Judgment Day (John 5:28-29; 2 Cor. 5:10)?