So why do YOU serve the Lord?
Job 1:8 And the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, because there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and upright man, one who fears God and turns away from evil?” [9] And Satan answered the LORD and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing? [10] Have you not made a hedge around him, and around his house, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his livestock have increased in the land. [11] But put forth your hand now, and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.” [12] And the LORD said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power. Only do not lay your hand upon him.” And Satan went forth from the presence of the LORD.
I do not want to play the “devil’s advocate” here and suggest any may only be serving God for what they can get; but I think it good sometimes to check our motives and heart attitude. Paul said: “Examine yourselves, whether you are in the faith…” (2 Cor 13:5)
It seems so easy to serve God when we are enjoying the blessings of the Lord; but so difficult when we meet “contrary winds”, and it seems the Lord’s hand of blessing has been withdrawn from us.
Job had been blessed mightily by the Lord. He was rich, powerful and influential in the world of his day. He was also a godly man; the Lord said he was “perfect” – quite a commendation from the only One who is truly perfect. Yet God allowed Satan to “do a number” on Job. God knew what the outcome of this “contest” would be. Do you think for one moment that God doesn’t know why you serve or worship Him?
Everything God does or permits in our lives is for a purpose. The “tests” we face are not primarily for God to “see if you will pass”, but has the purpose of uncovering or revealing what is truly in the heart; only then can we constructively deal with it either in confession or in lifestyle changes.
How do you or have you fared under trials? What have been your responses when any of these things happen;
- Prayers seemingly not answered?
- Having lack when it seems others have abundance?
- Suffering ill health when others seem to exude youthfulness and vigor?
Take heart, all at some time face trials that will expose their weaknesses; afterward a greater blessing or revelation of the Lord usually follows.
When everything else fails, then there’s God – who never fails.
It is when we lose the “blessings” of the Lord that our “true colors” show. Do you love the Lord for what He’s done or does for you? Or do you love Him purely for who He is; and that He is worthy?
When oppositions come; and they will; Satan whispers in our ears that God has failed us – as if it were all about us! He questions the truthfulness of the Word of God. He implies God is out to get you and bring you harm rather than good. Satan will never quote scriptures of promise to you – he doesn’t want your faith to rise. He rather charges God with being unfair, unforgiving and harsh.
It is in these times we need to say as recorded in Habakkuk 3:17, 18:
“Although the fig tree shall not blossom neither fruit be in the vines; and the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls”
In other words a total breakdown of the economy!
If all these conditions apply, the prophet tells what our response should be:
“Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.”
King David said: “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.”
It’s not a matter of circumstance, but a decision of the will – to rejoice in the Lord. Paul said: “Rejoice in the Lord always and again I say, rejoice!” (Phil 4:4)
Why are you serving the Lord? Is Satan correct? Do you serve God for what He does for you; or do you serve Him because He is worthy?
Satan took away everything God had given Job – but couldn’t get him to deny the Lord. God proved Job loved Him for who He was – the result was a greater revelation of God – which led to greater respect and worship – and greater blessings than before.
“Payday” is coming child of God – hang onto God and not onto His blessings. Jesus said the “Father seeks those who will worship in spirit and in truth.” If you’re not a worshipper yet – it’s not too late to start.
Peter Crause
This is not copyrighted and may be freely used and distributed.
e-mail: crause.pd@shaw.ca
