IMITATE THEIR FAITH/JOB - "Very Tender In Affection"

 Jehovah was very tender in his affection and merciful with Job.  (James 5:11)  How so?  Imagine how Job felt when he realized that 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 retored Job's wealth, giving him twice the possessions he had before. And what of the deepest of wounds-the loss of his children?  Job and his wife found a measure of comfort in become parents to ten more children!  And Jehovah miraculously extended Job's life. Job lived for 140 more  years, long enough to see four generations of his descendants thriving.  "Finally," we read,  "Job died after a long and 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 the endurance of Job." (James 5:11)  Job endured more hardships than most of us can even imagine.  The word  "endurance" tells us that Job did more than Just 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. - Job 27:5.

Each of us needs to endure.  We can be sure that Satan will try to discourage us as he did Job. But if we endure in faithm remaining humble, willing to forgive others, and determined to protect our integrity, we to 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: IMITATE THEIR FAITH/MIRIAM -"Sing to Jehovah"! 

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