Standing In The Trial (Job 4:12-21)

Trials are times of testing.  They may test us physically, spiritually and emotionally.  Trials are confusing in that the circumstances that they present seem to prove God and his promises to be untrue.

Although God allowed Job's trial to come, the author and instigator of the trial was the enemy.  After taking away his family, possessions and health, he remained unsuccessful at causing Job to fail.  Therefore, he continued to bear on Job's faith and righteousness by way of his accusers.  In the same way that Satan, in Heaven,  brought accusations against Job to God, he is now doing the same on Earth.  In Job 4:12-21, we see that Eliphaz received a spiritual visitor who attacked Job's righteous living.  Most likely this visitor was Satan himself.  He lead Eliphaz in an attempt to destroy Job's hope (vs. 3-6) and to bear upon him with false accusations (vs. 17-21).

Since the Scriptures are for our guidance and admonition, we must recognize that the enemy will work in the same manner towards us as he did for Job.  But how can we stand against such great accusations and overcome the hurt without caving in from weariness?

While in a trial, you must stay in God's word.  Truths that he shows you in devotion times will become the focus of your faith (Job 23:12).  Without his word, you will not have what is needed to dispel the onslaught of lies from the enemy.  Truth dispels lies in the same way as light dispels darkness.  Without truth, you will become weary and eventually fall.

For victory, you must maintain your righteous living.  Circumstances do not determine your measure of righteousness, but your faith does.  Keep your heart clean and continue walking believing that you are right with God.  If you fall, repent, confess and believe you are forgiven.  Trials are not a punishment, but a manner to test or reveal the measure of faith and righteous living that you already have.  

In the end, God will be glorified by your demonstration of faith and grace and your faith will be strengthen through and from the trial.

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