Category: It’s Not About You – Part 1: Job – God’s All-Star

One thing I’ve learned about God is that He’s concerned about His reputation.  He’s so concerned about it that He will not let anything or anyone ruin it.  He’ll even change His plans to protect His integrity.  For example, God spared the Israelites when Moses reminded Him, “If you kill them, then your enemies will talk bad about you” (see Exodus 32:9-14).  God will step in to confirm His status as the supreme being – King of kings, and Lord of lords.

Job was God’s all-star, but his mouth almost got him in trouble.  At one point during his ordeal, Job said, “I will say to God, ‘Don’t simply condemn me – tell me the charge you are bringing against me. What do you gain by oppressing me?  Why do you reject me, the work of your own hands, while smiling on the schemes of the wicked?'” (Job 10:2-3, New Living Translation).  But before Job’s mouth laid the tracks toward his destiny, God stepped in.  He silenced Job before he talked himself into trouble.  After a long conversation, God gave Job double for his trouble and gain for his pain.

Whenever God’s name is on the line, you can expect Him to step in before we mess up.  He will not let anyone, including His people, ruin His reputation.  No wonder David wrote, “… He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name” (Psalm 23:3, New Living Translation).  What an awesome God we serve!

Michael Jordan was inducted into the Naismith Hall of Fame last week, and during the ceremony, he told a humorous story about Byron Russell (former NBA player).  Byron Russell was disappointed that Jordan had retired (1993-1995), because he hadn’t had an opportunity to defend him.  Jokingly, Russell told Jordan, “If I ever see you in shorts, I’m going at you.”  While Russell meant it as a joke, Jordan took it personally and vowed to prove Russell wrong.  And, when Jordan returned to basketball, he definitely proved Russell wrong.  After two NBA Championship victories and NBA Finals MVP awards against the Utah Jazz, Byron Russell’s team, I think it’s safe to say that Michael Jordan silenced Russell’s assumptions.

I think Satan was a lot like Byron Russell.  He was so intoxicated by his devouring prowess, that he thought he was the superior being.  God, like Michael Jordan, took Satan’s assumption personal and vowed to prove Satan wrong.  So, He introduced Job, His all-star, who was blameless, a man of integrity, and in love with Him.  God let Satan attack Job just to prove that He was the supreme force.  And God certainly proved Satan wrong.  Though Job lost everything he had, He still trusted God.  Job’s triumph silenced Satan and crowned God as the greatest of all time!

Maybe your hopeless situation is another opportunity for God to prove Satan wrong.  Maybe it’s not about you; rather, it’s about God being glorified through you.  Just hang in there, and watch God silence Satan through your victory!