Then the Lord said to Satan, ‘Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. (Job 1:8)
The Bible doesn’t mention many people God openly bragged about, but among the few, Job stands out. Scripture offers us a glimpse into the backstory of a profound exchange between God and Satan, setting the stage for the trials that would soon befall Job.
Job 1:8 says, “And the Lord said to Satan, ‘Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?’”
What if God said to Satan, “Bring all you’ve got, I know Imole can handle it”?
My husband often says, “As a believer, in seasons when it feels like the entire world is against you, when everything seems to be falling apart, God is up to something.”
Trials and tests don’t come to break you, they come to make you.
One truth I have come to terms with is that tests come to reveal what we’re truly made of. How would you know the extent of your strength or the strength of your character if nothing ever challenged it?
Scripture says, “No weapon formed against me shall prosper” (Isaiah 54:17).
This suggests to me that every individual faces tests and trials uniquely fashioned and tailored to their specific weaknesses, excesses, or undeveloped character traits.
Romans 5:3-4 serves as a powerful reminder that the purpose of trials is not to break you, but to shape and strengthen you. The verse declares, “And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.” James 1:2-4 encourages us to “count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” Through these trials, God refines and strengthens us, preparing us for His greater purpose.
Always remember, God has promised that He will not allow you to be tested beyond what you can bear. Trust in His faithfulness, for He knows your capacity and will provide the strength to endure. It is through the trials and tests of your faith that you are truly shaped and refined, made into a vessel fit for the Master’s use, a vessel of honour.
Believe me when I say this: I truly believe that some tests never made it to you because God deemed them “above your pay grade.”
Take comfort in this assurance from God’s Word: no test or trial comes your way without God’s knowledge. He is fully aware of its extent and has set its boundaries. As seen in Job 1:12 and Job 2:6, God remains in control, even in the midst of your trials. As believers, our journey is different, but one thing is constant; God will never allow us to be tempted beyond the limits of our strength! (1 Corinthians 10:13).
In summary
- The next time you’re tempted to give up during a test, or take the next quick exit from a difficult situation, remember this: God may have bragged about you.
- Remember the glory set before you. The tests and trials you face now are not worth comparing to the glory that will soon be revealed. Scripture reminds us that Jesus endured the cross because of the joy set before Him. Let His example inspire you to press on, knowing that what lies ahead far outweighs the challenges of today. (Hebrews 12:2, Romans 8:18, Job 42:12)
- God is not the tempter, the devil is. You are tempted in line with your own desires, weaknesses, and areas of character that are yet to be fully formed. James 1:13-14 says “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am tempted by God’; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.”
Meditative Declaration
My strength does not falter in the day of adversity, for I am empowered in my inner being by the Holy Spirit.
Thank You, Lord, for Your promise not to allow me to face temptation beyond what I can bear.
I pray for discernment and strength to recognize the way of escape You have prepared for me in every test and trial.
Through Christ who empowers me, I declare that I am more than a conqueror.
Key Scriptures
Job 1–2, Job 42, 1 Corinthians 10:13, Romans 5:4–5
