IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOB

 "Very Tender in Affection"

Jehovah was very tender in affection and merciful" with Job. (James 5:11)  How so?  Imagine how Job felt when he realized his flesh had, indeed become "fresher than in youth."  as Elihu had foretold!  His family and friends rallied around him at last, extending sympathy and gifts.  Jehovah restored Job's wealth, giving him twice the possessions he before. And what of the deepest if wounds-the loss of his children?  Job and his wife found a measure of comfort in becoming parents to ten more children!  And Jehovah miraculously extended Job's life.  Job lived for 140 more years, long enough to see four generatons of his descendants thriving.  "Finally, we read, "Job died, after a long satisfying life."  (Job 42:10-17)  And in Paradise, Job and his dear wife will be reunited with their family, including the ten children Satan took from them. -  JOHN 5:28, 29.

Why did Jehovah reward Job so richly?  The Bible answers:  "You have heard of the endurance of Job." (James 5:11) Job endured more hardships than most of us can even imagine.  This word "endurance" tell us that Job did more than survive those trials.  He endured with his faith and his love for Jehovah intact. Rather than turning hard and bitter, he remained willing to forgive even those who had deliberately hurt him.  And he never let go of his precious hope or his own  prized possession, his integrity.

Each of us needs to edure. We can be sure that Satan will try to discourage us as he did Job.  But if we endure in faith, remaining humble, willing to forgive others, and determined to  protect our integrity, we too may hold on to our precious hope.  (Hebrews 10:36) Nothing would frustrate Satan more or delight the loving heart of Jehovah more than if we were to imitate the faith of Job. 

Next time: She Stood Up for God's People

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