"Very Tender in Affection"
Jehovah was very tender in affection and merciful" with Job. (James 5:11) How so? Jehovah restored Job to health. Imagine how Job felt when he realized that his flesh had, indeed become "fresher than 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 had before. and what of the deepest wounds-the loss of his children? Job and his wife felt 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, of a long and satisfying life." (Job 42:10-17) And in Paradise, Job and his dear wife will be united with their family, including the ten children Satan took from them. - JOB 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. The word "endurance" tells us that Job did more than survive those trials. He endured them with his faith and 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. - JOB27:5.
Each of us needs to endure. We can be sure that Satan will try to discourage us as his Job. But if we endure in faith, remaining humble, willing to forgive others, and determined to protect our integrity, we too may hold 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: You Can Remain Confident During Uncertain Times
From the jw.org publications
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