“Now the Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning.” Job 42:12a (NKJV)

The book of Job named for its main character, tells the story of a man who lost everything that he had from his health down to his wealth. In its entirety, the book is a poetic portrait of the suffering of the godly and the sovereignty of Almighty God. When we speak of God’s sovereignty, it simply means that God works independently, autonomously, and totally on His own. He never seeks nor does he need our input or opinion. When He allows us to face trials and trouble He knows exactly what He is doing. While we are going through He has His hand on the thermostat of our life and His eyes on the clock of our situation. He will never let it get to hot nor will He allow us to stay in our circumstances too long. He knows just how much we can bear. The point must be clearly made that Satan had to have God’s permission before he could make any attempt whatsoever to come against Job. So it is with every believer. “And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.” So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.” Job 1:12 (NKJV)

To add insult to injury, Job’s friends concluded on their own accord that he had apparently sinned and come short of the glory of God. They obviously did not know Job as well as they thought they did. “There was as man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job; and that man was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil.” Job 1:1 (NKJV) All suffering is not a by-product of sin or unrighteousness. It is an obvious reality check that bad things often happen to good people, and as believers we are never exempt from tribulation, trial, and trouble. However, it is always important to remember that whatever we may be going through, God never places a period at the end of the episode. Never get the beginning confused with the end. If God allows us to go through the circumstance He has the power and the desire to bring us out. “Then the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust under punishment for the day of judgment.” II Peter 2:9 (NKJV)

The essential dynamic in any situation that may be pressing, problematic, or penetrating the very core of our being is found in our willingness to endure. Shortly after Job was left with absolutely nothing, he assumed a posture of worship and made the confession that would ultimately change his life forever, “Blessed be the name of the Lord.” (See Job 1:21) How do you see your situation? If you are down in the valley you should see yourself on top of the mountain. If you are sick you should see yourself as healed. If you are bound you should see yourself being set free. Can you say blessed be the name of the Lord? Job recognized his dilemma yet he was willing to endure. “Though He slay me yet will I trust Him. Even so, I will defend my own ways before Him.” Job 13:15 (NKJV)

You must endure. Your present days do not determine your latter days. According to Jewish tradition, Job’s latter years (140) were exactly twice the number of his former years (70). God vindicated Job before his friends and secured a love relationship that secured his abundant life. The power of Job’s experience was to the point that it is recalled in the oracles of New Testament history. “Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.” James 5:11 (NKJV) Your tomorrow will be greater than today. Your future much greater than your past and this year will be much greater than last year. Remember Job and trust God, your latter days will be much greater than your former days.