I was reading the book of Job recently and perplexed about the fact that Satan and God had a running conversation regarding this man and his life. Job was a blameless man who feared God and stayed away from evil. (Job 1:1). Satan approached the Lord and they discussed Job and what a fine man he was. What transpired was a series of tests discussed and debated between Satan and the Lord. These weren’t just little tests, but life-changing, catastrophic events that changed the course of Job’s life.

If you’ve never read the book of Job, it makes for fascinating reading and there’s much we can learn from that book. One thing that really struck me and terrified me to my very core is the answer Satan gives to the Lord when asked, “Where have you come from?” Satan replies, “I have been going back and forth across the earth, watching everything that’s going on.” (Job 1:6-7) Ewww, that’ enough to make the hair on the back of your neck to stand up!

The reason I mention this is I’ve been feeling very “tested” lately and wondering if my inability to lose weight in spite of my best efforts is some sort of trial God is putting me through. Or, is this merely the enemy getting involved in my life and purposely tripping me up? Perhaps the enemy wants me so discouraged, I’ll just “curse God and die,” which is what Job’s friends encouraged him to do during his trials.

Comparing my inability to lose weight to Job and his ordeal is really no comparison. The man lost all of his livestock, became disease ridden and saw all 10 of his children struck down and killed in one fell swoop. Clearly my unresponsive metabolism is nothing compared to that. After much suffering, God restored to Job all that he lost and then some. The chapter concludes by telling us Job was blessed in the second half of his life and died at the ripe old age of 140, after a long, good life (Job 42:16). I can only hope for half as much.

If my weight loss issues are simply a test, the only option is for me to press through and endure to the end. If this is more about the enemy trying to ensnare me and goading me into quitting, my alternative is still the same. I must hunker down and find comfort in the fact that God cares enough about me to test me. If this is a test, he wants ALL of me committed.

If my trials are a result of the enemy stepping in and getting involved, the mere fact that he’s worried about me doing well and drawing closer to God must be very upsetting to him. That’s motivation right there to give it my all and do my best. When I view all the facts in this light, it’s a win-win situation. God is good!

Faith makes things possible, not easy. ~ Author Unknown

“10 When Job prayed for his friends, the LORD restored his fortunes. In fact, the LORD gave him twice as much as before! 11 Then all his brothers, sisters, and former friends came and feasted with him in his home. And they consoled him and comforted him because of all the trials the LORD had brought against him. And each of them brought him a gift of money and a gold ring. 12 So the LORD blessed Job in the second half of his life even more than in the beginning.” Job 42:10-12 (NLT)

PRAYER FOR TODAY: Lord, I love you and thank you for caring about me and continually imparting insight and wisdom into my life. I thank you that each day, my resolve deepens and my desire to serve you is flourishing. Thank you for all the blessings in my life and for sticking with me through this journey. Continue to give me strength. In your name, Lord Jesus. Amen.