Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy – James 5:11
“For the remaining time left in our service, I want our focus to be on intercessory prayer,” the pastor instructed. “So, I want you to pair up with someone you don’t know, and one will inquire what the individual needs prayer for, and then the other will do the same. Then you can begin praying for the other person, including that individual’s offender. And to take it one step further, I’d like the victim to stand in agreement for those individuals, to mimic Job by praying for those who have wronged you.”
There’s much to be gleaned from Job’s life; not only is he an example of enduring faith amid unfathomable events, but what he experienced offers insight into God’s supremacy. That nothing is beyond His authority and that everything has a purpose. Because while Satan may have been the instigator, he nevertheless was required to submit to God’s directive as to the extent of Job’s loss and suffering. It likewise dispels the myth that many continue to believe, even Christians, that bad things only happen to bad people, which Job 1:8 clearly disapproves.
Job’s character is worth mimicking, as he demonstrated that one’s faith in God, even when harshly tested, will survive and strengthen. And that praying for those who behave wrongfully will be rewarded.