God's Glory Church

“The Lord gave, and the Lord took away… Blessed be the Lord’s Name!” — Job 1:21

It couldn’t be worse. Having achieved some success in designing bridges, monuments and large structures, Cesare wanted to start a new business. So, he sold his first business and put the money in the bank, planning to reinvest it soon. During this period, however, the government seized assets in private bank accounts, and César lost all his savings.

Deciding not to take the injustice as a cause for complaint, Caesar asked God to show him the way forward and then simply started all over again.

Job lost not only his property in one moment. He lost most of his servants and all his children (Job 1:13-22). Then he lost his health (Job 2:7-8). Job’s reaction remains an eternal example for us. He prayed: “I came out naked from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return there, to the earth! The Lord gave, and the Lord took away… Blessed be the Lord’s Name!” (Job 1:21). The chapter ends with the words: “Despite all this, Job did not sin, and he did not say anything foolish to God” (v. 22).

Caesar also decided to trust God. And just a few years later, he built a new business, much more successful than the first. His story recalls the conclusion of the story of Job (see Job 42). Even if Caesar never recovered economically, he knew that his true treasure was not on earth (Matt. 6:19-20). And he would still trust God.

How did you feel when you suffered your greatest loss? What is the Holy Spirit teaching you through your losses?

Dear God, please tell me more about Your love. I still don’t understand a lot.

Author: Tim Gustavson