Job’s Character and Wealth
1 There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job; and that man was blameless, upright, fearing God and turning away from evil. 2 Seven sons and three daughters were born to him. 3 His possessions also were 7,000 sheep, 3,000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, 500 female donkeys, and very many servants; and that man was the greatest of all the [a]men of the east. 4 His sons used to go and hold a feast in the house of each one on his day, and they would send and invite their three sisters to eat and drink with them. 5 When the days of feasting had completed their cycle, Job would send and consecrate them, rising up early in the morning and offering burnt offerings according to the number of them all; for Job said, “Perhaps my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” Thus Job did continually.
6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord, and [b]Satan also came among them. 7 The Lord said to Satan, “From where do you come?” Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “From roaming about on the earth and walking around on it.” 8 The Lord said to Satan, “Have you [c]considered My servant Job? For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, [d]fearing God and turning away from evil.” 9 Then Satan answered the [e]Lord, “Does Job fear God for nothing? 10 Have You not made a hedge about him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. 11 But put forth Your hand now and touch all that he has; he will surely curse You to Your face.” 12 Then the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your [f]power, only do not put forth your hand on him.” So Satan departed from the presence of the Lord.
This passage is a reminder that “every good and perfect gift” is from God. And sure, it’s easy to say that with all of Job’s wealth, and when we receive good things it is likewise no chore to give God credit. But that’s only the beginning of the story, as God intends to test and challenge Job.
It is the same for everyone, God doesn’t let us skate through life untested, or we’d become spoiled brats. As Satan said, “Does Job fear God for nothing?” It’s easy to trust God when things are going well, but God knows we need hard times and storms to make us stronger, and to make our character more like his.
So yes, every good and perfect gift is from God, something we need to remember in the tough times as well. For our trials are gifts from Him just the same as the good times. They are given to shape us and mold us, and that’s not all “comfy cozy”, but it is all for our benefit. As it says in Hebrews 12:6, “For those whom the Lord loves He disciplines, and He scourges every son whom He receives.” These gifts are difficult to receive, but are a sure sign that you are a child of God, being shaped in His image.