Life is full of adversity. We lose loved ones, get fired from jobs, suffer miscarriages, and experience rejection. The story of Job is famous in part because of the extremity of the main character’s adversity. It is this very thing that makes Job so relatable. And it is Job’s response that makes the story inspirational.
Adversities are a constant ingredient of life. We would prefer to have only easy situations, perfect settings, and good circumstances. But the fall of man has made it so that this existence, in some way or another, is going to be like Job’s.
There are times when it feels like we are brimming with adversity. When we “can’t find a win”. Life is tough. Being human is not for the faint of heart.
Just as we relate to Job’s situation, we have an opportunity to replicate his response.
Job “accepts” adversity as an opportunity to trust God. He did not go looking for adversity. But he acknowledges the reality of it and the choice he has in its midst. And he chose to live righteously.
Nothing about adversity is easy. We cannot completely avoid it. We cannot control it. What we can do is follow the example of Job and not let adversity define us. Not allow it to lead us into sin. We can see it as an opportunity for worship. A chance to trust. An invitation to be an example. A catalyst to know God by faith.
“But he said to her, ‘You speak as one of the foolish women speak. Shall we indeed accept good from God and not accept adversity?’ In all this Job did not sin with his lips.”
– Job 2:10