And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, he is in your hand; only spare his life." — Job 2:6

At first, we may read this divine invitation as a little disturbing. You're probably considering the same question that I instantly ask, which is, "Why is God allowing Satan to torment Job?" Because as we read ahead, we discover that Job is about to be stricken boils from the top of his head to the bottom of his feet. So it's an honest question.

But here's a small caveat. Consider this.

If we both trust the one pushing us to our limits and understand the purpose behind the pain, are we compelled to ask the same question the same way? Are we?

For example, when a trusted coach pushes us to train harder so that we can perform better against an opponent, are we compelled to ask the question, "Why are they tormenting me?" Now maybe. But if we train hard under that coach and he leads us to a victory, we make two discoveries. First, we discover a new level of trust and connection with our coach. Second, we discover that our coach had a plan and purpose in the pain. And afterward, all the "torment" is worth it.

So in Job's situation, if we knew that this trial would draw him closer to God and be would be used to cleanse him from self-righteousness — while simultaneously using a mortal man to defeat Satan and becoming one of the great stories of suffering and victory of all time — would you then ask the same question the same way? Maybe, but now you have a lot of perspective.

Maybe the better question is this — "Am I willing to suffer so that I might know God and his purposes in my life?"

Take a few moments to consider this question today. And if you happen to be right in the middle of a trial, try to identify what God is teaching you about him or his purposes and share it in the comments below so that I can be praying for you.


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