How strong is your faith?

[angels4u]

1 In the land of Uz there lived a man whose name was Job. This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil. 2 He had seven sons and three daughters, 3 and he owned seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen and five hundred donkeys, and had a large number of servants. He was the greatest man among all the people of the East.

4 His sons used to take turns holding feasts in their homes, and they would invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. 5 When a period of feasting had run its course, Job would send and have them purified. Early in the morning he would sacrifice a burnt offering for each of them, thinking, "Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts." This was Job's regular custom.

Job's First Test

6 One day the angels [a] came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them. 7 The LORD said to Satan, "Where have you come from?"

Satan answered the LORD, "From roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it."

8 Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil."

9 "Does Job fear God for nothing?" Satan replied. 10 "Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. 11 But stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face."

12 The LORD said to Satan, "Very well, then, everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger."

Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.

13 One day when Job's sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother's house, 14 a messenger came to Job and said, "The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, 15 and the Sabeans attacked and carried them off. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!"

16 While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, "The fire of God fell from the sky and burned up the sheep and the servants, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!"

17 While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, "The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and carried them off. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!"

18 While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said, "Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother's house, 19 when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!"

20 At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship 21 and said:

"Naked I came from my mother's womb,

and naked I will depart. [c]

The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away;

may the name of the LORD be praised."

22 In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.

Most of us know what is it to have friends we even call them best friends, but what do you do when you got in trouble like you could lose your job, get sick, what if you lose everything you have?

The enemy loves to test us and see if our faith in God is real even if we lose everything.

Satan thought Jobs faith would not be strong enough to stand the test if he could send them trouble.

The enemy is very real and he loves to test us too.

He even told God he noticed how good and upright Job was and he told God that it problaly wouldn't last if God would take eveything away from him.

Satan thinks its easy for a Christian to love God when everything is going good in their life but he doesnt think it will last if we lose our health or belongings or anything we care of.

I read this sentence that Adversity destroys superficial faith and thats a fact, but adversity for born again Christians strenghten our faith ,knowing who's in controle. How much do we trust that He will work everything thing out for good to them that love Him?

How much faith do you and I have ,would we stand the test?

Can you think of circumstances when it was difficult to keep trusting God?

[Dooltaz]

It is not the faith that we have but the faith that we are given from above. God calls us to salvation. God saves us as we trust in Him. God does all the work. God grants us faith and guides us through this life. God builds up and God tears down. He has a divine will and glory that we can not understand. Is faith something worthy to boast about? I should say not. I dare not take credit for something that God has given.

Romans 10:17 - So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

The strength of faith is based on the hearing of the word of Christ. If you want more faith, saturate yourself with reading, studying and listening to the word. Listen to stong and biblical preaching and be built up in faith. But do not boast in your faith, rather boast in the Giver of your Faith, the Lord Jesus Christ.

This morning, just before you posted your topic, I wrote this and would like to share.

Oh, how I easily forget. Drowned by the depts of crushing sinfullness of the world, how quickly I forget your ways oh Lord. Blinded by flashes of selfishness, ego, and pride, I so often forget what you look like. Choking in the battle against flesh through self control, my concerns so quickly find their way away from you. Deaf through the continuous wispers of lies, how often I have ears yet never hear. What hope do I have but your intervention within this wretched life of sin? Upon you I put my hope. In you I put my trust. In your ways and through your might will I walk. Ever to the goal shall I press, though I have no strength within me. Only your strength will carry me to glory, and for your glory shall I be carried to you. Your promices are true. Your ways are mighty. Your works are glorious. You are forever and everlasting through which all things were created. What hope is there outside of you, oh great and mighty God. Your mere breath brings forth life from dust and your mere will sends man to the depths of hell, yet in your mercy and your infinate love, you came to me. You lived for man. You died for man. Though man did not know you, you still died for him. Not for man's sake but for your own sake. To show us your love, and what great love it is! That you would bear my eternal punishment upon your own son for my wicked works. How great you are Lord. How loving you are my King! How Kind! How Mighty! You who have the power to calm storms, to bring forth the dead, to heal and command creation with your mere words. To you belongs all power and glory and dominion and glory and magesty for ever and ever. Amen.

[angels4u]

1 In the land of Uz there lived a man whose name was Job. This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil. 2 He had seven sons and three daughters, 3 and he owned seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen and five hundred donkeys, and had a large number of servants. He was the greatest man among all the people of the East.

4 His sons used to take turns holding feasts in their homes, and they would invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. 5 When a period of feasting had run its course, Job would send and have them purified. Early in the morning he would sacrifice a burnt offering for each of them, thinking, "Perhaps my children have sinned and cursed God in their hearts." This was Job's regular custom.

Job's First Test

6 One day the angels [a] came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them. 7 The LORD said to Satan, "Where have you come from?"

Satan answered the LORD, "From roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it."

8 Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil."

9 "Does Job fear God for nothing?" Satan replied. 10 "Have you not put a hedge around him and his household and everything he has? You have blessed the work of his hands, so that his flocks and herds are spread throughout the land. 11 But stretch out your hand and strike everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face."

12 The LORD said to Satan, "Very well, then, everything he has is in your hands, but on the man himself do not lay a finger."

Then Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.

13 One day when Job's sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother's house, 14 a messenger came to Job and said, "The oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, 15 and the Sabeans attacked and carried them off. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!"

16 While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, "The fire of God fell from the sky and burned up the sheep and the servants, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!"

17 While he was still speaking, another messenger came and said, "The Chaldeans formed three raiding parties and swept down on your camels and carried them off. They put the servants to the sword, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!"

18 While he was still speaking, yet another messenger came and said, "Your sons and daughters were feasting and drinking wine at the oldest brother's house, 19 when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on them and they are dead, and I am the only one who has escaped to tell you!"

20 At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship 21 and said:

"Naked I came from my mother's womb,

and naked I will depart. [c]

The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away;

may the name of the LORD be praised."

22 In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.

Most of us know what is it to have friends we even call them best friends, but what do you do when you got in trouble like you could lose your job, get sick, what if you lose everything you have?

The enemy loves to test us and see if our faith in God is real even if we lose everything.

Satan thought Jobs faith would not be strong enough to stand the test if he could send them trouble.

The enemy is very real and he loves to test us too.

He even told God he noticed how good and upright Job was and he told God that it problaly wouldn't last if God would take eveything away from him.

Satan thinks its easy for a Christian to love God when everything is going good in their life but he doesnt think it will last if we lose our health or belongings or anything we care of.

I read this sentence that Adversity destroys superficial faith and thats a fact, but adversity for born again Christians strenghten our faith ,knowing who's in controle. How much do we trust that He will work everything thing out for good to them that love Him?

How much faith do you and I have ,would we stand the test?

Can you think of circumstances when it was difficult to keep trusting God?

Job's First Test

6 One day the angels [a] came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came with them. 7 The LORD said to Satan, "Where have you come from?"

Satan answered the LORD, "From roaming through the earth and going back and forth in it."

8 Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job?

My question may seem a little off topic, but I have found a certain part of this scripture to bother me. I mean, I know what Satan is, but why so early in the existence of man? The devil couldn't possibly have had nothing else to do. I think there is a problem in the fact that the devil was kicked out of Heaven and then was able to try others on their way to get to Heaven so early.

But as for your question(s); I have already had to withstand such a test. Not to the extent of loosing my offspring or possessions (I have none), but I have been in the position to where I lost everything I held dear and was tempted to say things against the Lord. I withstood, but every waking moment I felt like I was dying or should just die. I feel the effects of that great trial to this day. But my own faith was beaten badly. Rather the grace of God and longsuffering helped me through.

My point is, faith alone is not what gets one through such trials. Our spirits must be strong in all of God if we are to make it through such trials as Job did. Consider this, Job's righteousness, understanding, and trust in the Lord are what helped him through. He was righteous as the Lord said, he understood Jehovah's sovereignity in Him being the one who gave and took away all that he knew (even his health), and he did not trust man (being his friends and wife) when he sought a solution to his problem(s)but God .

Why was Satan seeking those whom he could devour at that time???

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whom resist steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world" (1 Peter 5:8-9).

Revelation 12 describes three instances when Satan has declared war:

1. He first declared war against almighty God himself. John writes:

"There was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, and prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him" (Revelation 12:7-9).

Satan wanted to be like God and when he found out he was kicked out of heaven he rebelled against God and he is still trying to decieve Christians into thinking that he is almighty. Don't forget he had great authority and he has nothing ,he's mad at God and he tried to kill Jesus but thank God he's robbed of all his power over us , he lost the war and his place in heaven.

God cast Lucifer out of heaven, along with the other rebellious angels. All of heaven rejoiced in the victory. The devil lost that war, as well as his place in heaven and is desperately trying to get as many people as he can to go with him to hell.

Why did he start decieving so early? Because he was mad that he lost his place and the authority he ones had.

We had circumstances in our life that I felt we were tested.....my husband used to own a farm and went bankrupt (long time ago)

I went to the doctor ones who send me to a doctor because of something wrong with my breast, I remember walking out of the doctors office and God gave that incredible peace, I did have a little operation that time but it turned out to be OK.

[angels4u]

It is not the faith that we have but the faith that we are given from above. God calls us to salvation. God saves us as we trust in Him. God does all the work. God grants us faith and guides us through this life. God builds up and God tears down. He has a divine will and glory that we can not understand. Is faith something worthy to boast about? I should say not. I dare not take credit for something that God has given.

Romans 10:17 - So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.

The strength of faith is based on the hearing of the word of Christ. If you want more faith, saturate yourself with reading, studying and listening to the word. Listen to stong and biblical preaching and be built up in faith. But do not boast in your faith, rather boast in the Giver of your Faith, the Lord Jesus Christ.

This morning, just before you posted your topic, I wrote this and would like to share.

Oh, how I easily forget. Drowned by the depts of crushing sinfullness of the world, how quickly I forget your ways oh Lord. Blinded by flashes of selfishness, ego, and pride, I so often forget what you look like. Choking in the battle against flesh through self control, my concerns so quickly find their way away from you. Deaf through the continuous wispers of lies, how often I have ears yet never hear. What hope do I have but your intervention within this wretched life of sin? Upon you I put my hope. In you I put my trust. In your ways and through your might will I walk. Ever to the goal shall I press, though I have no strength within me. Only your strength will carry me to glory, and for your glory shall I be carried to you. Your promices are true. Your ways are mighty. Your works are glorious. You are forever and everlasting through which all things were created. What hope is there outside of you, oh great and mighty God. Your mere breath brings forth life from dust and your mere will sends man to the depths of hell, yet in your mercy and your infinate love, you came to me. You lived for man. You died for man. Though man did not know you, you still died for him. Not for man's sake but for your own sake. To show us your love, and what great love it is! That you would bear my eternal punishment upon your own son for my wicked works. How great you are Lord. How loving you are my King! How Kind! How Mighty! You who have the power to calm storms, to bring forth the dead, to heal and command creation with your mere words. To you belongs all power and glory and dominion and glory and magesty for ever and ever. Amen.

Amen God is Good.

You're right and you can only stand the test if you are really a born again Christian .

Jesus promised to be with us in all cirumstances and we can trust that He WILL keep His promise. He's always there to protect us

[zecha51]

Dooltaz that is a very profound thing you wrote. So often I have the chance for fellowship with Him and due to selfish desire blow it.

Praise Jesus for being so patient with us.

[Donna777]

I think that God is closest to us when we are at our lowest . Tests are tools of lessons . I have lost much and many and had almost began to think God hated me . Satan followed me day and night whispering that God did not exist and Jesus was mythical. Lying to me over and over again..

" when he speaketh a lie , he speaketh of his own : for he is a liar , and the father of it " John 8:44

But I had to keep praying and trusting in my faith and that is the only way to make it through adversity. Pray and Believe.

(When I remember thee on my upon my bed , and meditate on thee in the night watches .Because thou hast been my help , therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.) pslams63:6-7

I thanked god over and over recently. No eloquent words came to me as those written by some of the beautiful poets in the bible and some of the people whose words I have had oppurtunity to read on this site. No graceful words dripping in beauty or luring others to listen , but simply singing almost in a sing - song. Thank you God .. Thank you Jesus. Thank for seeing me through. Thank you God .. Thank you Jesus...

[angels4u]

I think that God is closest to us when we are at our lowest . Tests are tools of lessons . I have lost much and many and had almost began to think God hated me . Satan followed me day and night whispering that God did not exist and Jesus was mythical. Lying to me over and over again..

" when he speaketh a lie , he speaketh of his own : for he is a liar , and the father of it " John 8:44

But I had to keep praying and trusting in my faith and that is the only way to make it through adversity. Pray and Believe.

(When I remember thee on my upon my bed , and meditate on thee in the night watches .Because thou hast been my help , therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice.) pslams63:6-7

I thanked god over and over recently. No eloquent words came to me as those written by some of the beautiful poets in the bible and some of the people whose words I have had oppurtunity to read on this site. No graceful words dripping in beauty or luring others to listen , but simply singing almost in a sing - song. Thank you God .. Thank you Jesus. Thank for seeing me through. Thank you God .. Thank you Jesus...

Thank you for sharing and that you were able to trust God in all of this, faith is a gift from God !

Thank you Jesus

I thanked god over and over recently

Praise you God!

[angels4u]

My Faith has been its strongest when I 'am eating dirt and there is NO where to turn , but to God!

I have had times where my Faith has not been as strong and that is ALWAYS when I have taken my eyes off God or tried to be the one in the drivers seat!

BE TRUE AND BE BLESSED,

God is so good and so faithful

[dgolvach]

It takes more courage than I have to have faith.

Dan

[angels4u]

It takes more courage than I have to have faith.

Dan

Can you explain why it takes more courage?