No Idea!
And he said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord.” ~ Job 1:21
This is one of those verses often quoted during tragedy, but frequently taken out of context. While it’s meant to offer comfort, it’s often misunderstood. People use it to suggest that we must blindly accept everything that happens to us because “God is unpredictable” or because we have no control over our circumstances.
But that’s not the full picture.
This verse comes after one of the most devastating days in a person’s life recorded in Scripture. Out of nowhere, Job loses everything, his livestock, his servants, his property, and worst of all, all ten of his children in a sudden storm. One moment after another, devastation came knocking. And Job, in his pain and shock, responds with those now-famous words: “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away.”
But here’s the truth Job didn’t know, he had no idea Satan was behind it all. Job didn’t realize there was an enemy working to destroy his life. In fact, many believers today are just like Job: they love God, they worship Him, they try to live right, but they’re unaware of the spiritual warfare going on behind the scenes.
It is so important to remember that God is a good God, and Satan is a bad devil. God doesn’t send destruction, He sent His Son to redeem and rescue us. Jesus Himself said in John 10:10 that the thief comes to steal, kill, and destroy, but He came to give us life more abundantly.
It’s true that God allowed Job to be tested, but God never authored the tragedy. Job responded the best way he knew how. He worshiped. He mourned. He trusted, even when he didn’t understand.
Today, we still have things that happen in our lives. Here are some ways you can be ready when the unexpected happens:
- Know your enemy. Recognize that there’s a real adversary (1 Peter 5:8). Don’t blame God for what the enemy is doing.
- Guard your heart and mind. Stay rooted in God’s Word so you can discern truth from lies.
- Commit your life to Him. According to 2 Timothy 1:12, God is able to guard what we commit to Him. That means your family, your finances, your future. Whatever you hand over to God, He is faithful to protect and preserve.
- Stay in a posture of worship. Even when life hits hard, don’t stop praising. Worship isn’t denial of pain, it’s your anchor in the storm.
Today I want to encourage you if you are facing things right now that feel like they came out of nowhere. Maybe you’ve lost something or someone important, or you’re struggling with fear, confusion, or grief. Know that you can take heart because God is not the author of your pain; He is the anchor in your storm. He sees your faith, and He’s holding you through it. Just like Job, you might not see the whole picture, but God is still worthy of your trust. When you choose to worship instead of worry, you declare to heaven and hell alike: “Blessed be the name of the Lord.”
Today’s scripture reading: Job 1:13-22
13 Now there was a day when his sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house;
14 and a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them,
15 when the Sabeans raided them and took them away—indeed they have killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”
16 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The fire of God fell from heaven and burned up the sheep and the servants and consumed them; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”
17 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three bands, raided the camels and took them away, yes, and killed the servants with the edge of the sword; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”
18 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house,
19 and suddenly a great wind came from across the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house, and it fell on the young people, and they are dead; and I alone have escaped to tell you!”
20 Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped.
21 And he said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord.”
22 In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong.
Journal Prompt:
- What areas of your life feel out of control right now?
- Are there situations where you’ve blamed God, not realizing the enemy’s tactics?
- Write a prayer of surrender, committing those areas into God’s hands. Then declare His promises over your life.
The Daily Dose 