“Why Have You Made Me Your Target?”
By: Vicki Stevens
The apostle Paul wrote, “for everything that was written in the past was written to teach us . . .” (Rom. 15:4). We can learn from what was written long ago during Old Testament times, by men directed by God, for the purpose of providing us with instruction and encouragement. The Bible records many notable examples, but none are more meaningful and moving than the life of Job. In his story, we see success and loss, human suffering, perseverance, endurance, and finally, humility which resulted in repentance: “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret…” (2 Cor. 7:10). Some of the things which Job experienced, are experienced by people today.
After the introduction in Job where we see the conversation between God and Satan and Satan goes on to wreak destruction on Job, three friends of Job came from their homes to comfort him because word was out about the many trials Job had gone through. But as they drew near to Job, “they could hardly recognize him” in his grief, suffering, and pain. They were at a loss for words for seven days “because they saw how great his suffering was” (Job 2:11-13).
Initially, Job faced these misfortunes with acceptance. However, due to the prolonged nature of his trials and the annoying insults from his friends - saying that he must have sinned, eventually, Job lost his patience. He expressed frustration toward his earthly friends and even his heavenly Father, expressing his wish to have died at birth. He asked God, “If I have sinned, what have I done to You, You who sees everything we do? Why have You made me Your target? Have I become a burden to You? Why do You not pardon my offenses and forgive my sins? For I will soon lie down in the dust; You will search for me, but I will be no more” (Job 7:20-21).
Job continued to plead his case and talked of God’s majesty: “He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted. . . How then can I dispute with Him? How can I find words to argue with Him? Though I was innocent, I could not answer Him; I could only plead with my Judge for mercy” (Job 9:10-15).
Job stated further that he was blameless and said to God, “Do not declare me guilty, but tell me what charges You have against me” (Job 10:2).
We know Satan is malicious and is always lurking in the shadows, constantly looking for opportunities to entice man into sin: “When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed” (James 1:13-14). However, God disciplines His children: “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastens everyone He accepts as His son” (Hebrews 12:5-6).
God finally heard enough from Job and his friends and spoke to Job out of a storm: “Who is this that obscures My plans with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer Me. Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell Me if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone — Who shut up the sea behind doors when it burst forth from the womb, when I made the clouds its garment and wrapped it in thick darkness, when I fixed limits for it and set its doors and bars in place, when I said, ‘This far you may come and no farther; here is where your proud waves halt’? Have you ever given orders to the morning?” (Job 38:2-12).
In chapter 39, God described the mighty power and habits of the animals He created on this earth: the fast-running ostrich, the strength of the horse clothed with a flowing mane, and the heights to which the eagles soar, etc.
The Lord said to Job, “‘Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct Him? Let him who accuses God answer Him!’ Then Job answered the Lord: ‘I am unworthy—how can I reply to You? I put my hand over my mouth. I spoke once, but I have no answer— twice, but I will say no more’” (Job 40:1-5).
By God calling out Job, it could be referred to as a “reality check” for Job, like a parent giving their child a reality check. Sometimes a child (teenager?) might be reminded of just who’s paying for their clothes, food, gas, and maybe their cell phone. It can be a very humbling experience. Job was being humbled by his Lord and Father!
God’s love for Job did not diminish. Job prayed to God, and God accepted his prayer. Then, God blessed Job in double portions. He had new sons and daughters. His daughters were considered the most beautiful in the land. After all this, Job lived 140 years and saw his children and their children to the fourth generation (Job 42).
Various sufferings are experienced by us all! I’ve battled cancer since 2017, and the fight continues against this horrible disease – a disease which affects so many people in this world. Not only does it affect people physically and mentally, but it can affect them spiritually. Even family members suffer and experience various emotions (anger, anxiety, confusion, fear, sadness, etc.) due to their loved one’s own personal battle with the disease.
Fortunately, by having a relationship with God, we have the support of a large spiritual family. One Sunday afternoon, friends from far away came to our home to visit me, with the understanding that this, possibly, would be for the last time. You see, doctors had given me no hope of surviving an obstructed bile duct caused by the cancer. My husband asked our friend to lead us in prayer before he and his wife left our home that day. Our friend, a very humble, quiet, and gentle man, approached God with such boldness as he cried out, “God, we KNOW that You have the power to heal this girl! It’s not “IF” You can heal her, we KNOW that You can – if it is Your will.” Since that day in March 2022, my husband and I have taken on a different way of approaching God in our petitions to Him. It is with boldness! It is with confidence! It is with reverence and respect toward the One who created us! When my husband and I entered church services together for the first time in 5 months, one of the church leaders in our congregation approached him and asked, “Has this whole ordeal been a test of your faith?” My husband’s response was, “I never thought of it being a test of my faith, but an opportunity to grow in my faith!” We have come to a better understanding, as Job did, that God is in total control, and we must be patient as things are done in His time and not ours.