It’s Worth It.
Read time: 8 mins
“I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes.”
Job 42:5 NLT
I want to remind some and inform others of the axiom that states, “more of anything is more of everything.” This statement goes to say that as you grow in areas you desire, there is typically a correlating growth of the challenges in another. The Notorious B.I.G. and P Diddy described an aspect of this principle in the song “Mo Money Mo Problems.” Spider-Man’s uncle pointed to it by saying “with great power comes great responsibility” and old church ladies would say “new levels come with new devils”. The Bible refers to it by saying “to whom much is given, much is required.” Many of us desire the blessings that we do see but despise the burden behind the scenes that others often don't see.
We love to talk about Joseph being second in command in the most powerful nation of his day, but we don't glamorize the false accusations and imprisonment, betrayal, and feelings of being forgotten that got him there. We preach about Daniel and how multiple kingdoms considered him a respected and trusted advisor, but we don't brag about the jealousy that led to his coworkers feeding him to lions. We talk about the power and boldness of Elijah but not the suicidal thoughts that were promted from feeling alone, drained and in danger of death. I could continue with every success story in the Bible and our modern lives. Even Jesus endured great pain in order to experience the glory set before Him. Isaiah 53 talks about the various trials Jesus would go through on earth but says He will be satisfied when He sees all that is accomplished through His anguish. I believe our trials will be worth the triumph too. Progression comes with pain and those who get to the next levels are often those who endure the most tests. My argument is that the value of Jesus and what He brings to our lives is worth all the pain that may come along the journey.
An asset is something that adds value while a liability is something that takes value. However, assets still cost money, time, energy, emotion, and many other things, but the value they bring is worth all the annoyances that come with it. Jesus says following Him will hurt but it is worth it. Progression hurts but it's worth the pain. The pain is nothing compared to the peace, purpose and prosperity that comes from being in God's plan and experiencing His presence. The story of Job is an extreme explanation of this point.
The story of Job is an interesting one. Hidden away in the wisdom literature of the Bible, it's a story that really showcases that God's thoughts and actions are so much higher than anything our earthy minds could fathom. Jewish legend states that when Moses asked God to reveal Himself to him, God gave him this book. A story with a confusing resolution and more questions than answers. And while we may never understand it all, we can see that God brings something to our lives that keeps us coming back even when the trials associated should send us running.
Job is a man said to be blameless and with complete integrity. He is the richest man by far in the entire area and this must point to the favor he has received from God and diligence on his part right? Job’s friends talk about how much of a blessing he has been to the community and we hear of how intentional and thoughtful he is concerning his family. Job is a perfect man with a perfect life. We would expect someone who is good to not have as many problems. But that couldn't be further from the truth.
The story shifts to a scene in heaven where the devil shows up and presents himself to God. God asks what he's been up to and the devil says he has been to and fro around earth. The Bible tells us that the devil spends his time not by being idly passive, but actively seeking out people to destroy like a roaring lion. God asks something crazy. He asks the devil if he has considered His servant Job. The devil then admits to trying to get to Job by saying God has put a hedge of protection around Job, his family and everything he owns. This means the devil has been trying to no avail to attack Job, his family and everything he owns. But God has been fighting a battle no one knew they were a part of. Another point to show that God's understanding and provision for us goes farther than what we could comprehend. The devil argues that Job is only righteous because of the wealth and prosperity God has given him and God allows the devil to test his theory by attacking Job.
All in one day, three of Job’s businesses and all the workers die or are murdered, all of his assets and money drain, and all of his kids die. But Job still has the unadulterated gall to worship God in the midst of his grief. This kinda proves the point that Job was tied to God and not what God had done for him. You'd think this was the end of the onslaught of torment but the devil asks to come up to bat again to try to ruin Job’s relationship with God. It’s almost like passing a test at one level just means a new class is coming in the next. Job is infected with puss filled boils that keep him up at night. And Job still chooses God. Job’s friends and family continue to kick him while he is down and he still chooses God. And I would argue that Job was content when he looked back on his life. Job goes through ups and downs and various stages of grief and doubt but never gives up on the hope that God is in control. Job goes through hell and still ends his life focused on knowing Jesus. And I'd argue that He would say knowing Jesus was worth the pain along the journey.
The entire purpose of the book of Job is to point out that God is infinitely above our understanding, and that should prompt us to sit and trust that He is good and His decisions are good even when they don't look or feel like it in the moment. I don't believe God wants to hurt us or harm us. But I do believe He can see the future and weigh out that the present trials He allows are nothing compared to the glory that will be revealed later (Romans 8:17-18). This takes a crazy amount of faith to believe. In a world where we think we control our provision and future, being still and knowing that He is a good God even when we are going through hell sounds crazy. However we choose to believe that God will have the final say, even when it looks like He is driving our life in the wrong way. He will meticulously choose which trials are allowed through the armor He arranged to protect us, and make sure to recycle it for something so far past our comprehension of what’s good that it outweighs the past pain.
I love the phrase Job uses when talking to God at the end of this book. After situations that would and still make me question God, Job still prioritizes God. Is it possible that God is worth the persecution that comes from being His follower? Is it possible that experiencing God is worth the horrific life Job experienced? It must be true that God's thoughts for us are better than what we can imagine, because I cannot imagine a world where anything outweighs the pain Job experienced. But he is still coming back. Is knowing God worth more than anything else this world can offer?
Paul says this, “Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ”
Philippians 3:8 NLT
At the core is believing that God is good above all. It may look and feel like He is going backward but we must trust that He has a bird eye, multiple dimensional view on our lives and how to give more than we knew we wanted or needed. God is playing 3D chess when we are seeing TicTacToe. We have little glimpses throughout life to carry us. We have little reminders to push us. We must continue to press towards the mark that is knowing and being known by Christ. Is it possible that what He offers is worth the pain? Is it possible that what He gives is worth what is stolen? I believe so. I've seen how God has moved in my life. I've tasted and seen His goodness. I've stood in the power of His presence. I've felt His depths of His mercy. And I know His love always surrounds me. I'm hooked. It’s worth what it's caused me so far. I have only experienced a fraction of how Good God is compared to what I know is out there. And my prayer is that God holds my hand and continues to not give me more than I can bare as I go through the valleys that show me how tall he is, the storms that show me how solid he is, the mistakes that show me how deep his grace is, and the doubt that makes me realize how rich his patience is. The kingdom of God looks like buying an entire field for one pearl. It doesn't always make sense but it's worth it.
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Thanks for joining me on this journey. It is so great to know that God is actually impacting real people through these devotionals. Thank you for the stories and testimonies. Please continue to share this with anyone who may benefit and start conversations about the concepts. You can continue to support financially through the “donate” tab on the website or $ThoughtsByPace on Cash App. Thank you for all your prayers, shares and donations.
