“But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.” Job 23:10
The Marines had a famous slogan, “The few, the proud, the Marines.” The slogan was a great recruiting tool since it calls elite people to join witha few other elites in a significant mission. I thought about what that slogan would look like it if it had been written to recruit people to follow Christ. The Few would still be pertinent. Not many are willing to accept the call to follow Jesus. It is an elite group but a tiny one. The proud does not apply. To follow Christ requires we give up all our pride – we fall on our knees in humility to repent of our sin in order for God to make us into a new person. When He does, any pride we might have is in our commander, not ourselves.
I think about that slogan even for believers. Only a few follow Christ fully, are totally sold out to obey and serve Christ no matter where that may lead. I think of Daniel, Hananiah, Azariah and Mischael who as young men made the commitment that they would obey God. With Daniel they purposed in their hearts not to defile themselves by sinning against God no matter the cost.. They made that commitment at an early age and abided by it all the days of their lives. We might think that was not hard for them they were slaves they had nothing to lose. (Of course that is not true. They were subject to suffer cruel and harsh punishment at the hands of an arrogant evil king.)
Then there is Job. Somewhere in his life decided it was important to live a life sold out to God. God blessed his commitment and Job became a prosperous and wealthy businessman. From the world’s perspective, Job had it all. Then Job’s commitment was tested. (Whatever level of commitment you have, it will always be tested.) Satan unleashed his fury on Job and his family with as much anger and hatred as any man on this earth has ever faced. (Others may have been tied with Job in what they faced but none faced worse.)
If commitment is tested, how does one endure when one goes through the test? Job 23:10 gives us some insights.
But He knows the way that I take First Job reminds us that God knows our situation. For a committed believer this is an encouraging truth. God is not oblivious to our pain, anxiety or grief. The Lord tells us this encouraging truth. “I will never leave you
nor forsake you.”
When He has tested me Next Job reminds himself (and us) that the test belongs to the Lord and He controls both the length and severity. Job knew that meant if the test continues it is allowed by God who knows him, loves him and is with him (even if we may not always sense His presence).
I shall come forth as gold Here we see Job’s determination and and commitment to serve God no matter what. This is the same as Daniel’s decision “not to defile himself”. To serve God fully it is a commitment we must make.
What can we learn? Job made his commitment but how did he get through the trial? One day at a time. He looked to God for strength for that day. The only thing he allowed himself to look forward to was finishing the test God allowed faithfully.