The last devotion was about Job’s afflictions in chapter one. Satan was not successful in getting Job to curse God. Chapter two has God pointing that out to the Devil. The old evil foe has this comeback:

Job 2:4–5 ⁴ “Skin for skin!” Satan replied. “A man will give all he has for his own life. ⁵ But stretch out your hand and strike his flesh and bones, and he will surely curse you to your face.”

So the Lord gave Satan permission to afflict Job physically, but not take his life. Again, the attack was severe. Painful sores over his entire body. His wife encouraged him to curse God and die so that he could be put out of his misery. But Job remained faithful

Job 2:10 He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.

I think about the physical impairments and afflictions I have had. I recall all the times I have witnessed people suffer terrible ailments and disease. As terrible as injuries and illnesses can be, those of us who have put our faith and confidence in Jesus need to keep things in the perspective of eternity.

2 Corinthians 4:16–18 Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. ¹⁷ For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. ¹⁸ So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

We can have this attitude thanks to knowing what God has done for us in Christ. He took our place in punishment to give us the certainty of forgiveness and life forever with our Lord. May we be willing to accept whatever comes our way with the grace and steadfast faith that Job displayed.