"We Lost The Account!" (Job 1:20-21)

Several years ago, my dermatopathology laboratory unexpectedly lost a key dermatology client. The reasons were unclear but the effect was not. It would lead to a sharp drop in our revenues. I was initially shocked and upset. My mind raced through the possible reasons for this dermatologist’s decision. I was ready to lash out at myself and my staff. But God, through His Holy Spirit, spoke to me in that moment. Instead of pointing the finger at myself or others, instead of bemoaning what the loss would mean for our company, I fell on my knees and prayed, “God, thank you for the opportunity You gave me to work with this doctor and his patients. I pray that You will take care of his practice and bless him.”

I then called a meeting of my staff and informed them, “We lost the account!” One person began to cry, knowing that this may lead to cutbacks in our company. I reassured everyone that God was in control and that our business will continue to serve our doctors and patients. “We have been blessed to be called to this purpose and we will continue to serve God with our laboratory. Regardless of the outcome, God blesses us.”

Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped. 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 1:20-21 (NKJV)

In the first chapter of the book of Job, Job loses everything in one day-his livestock, his wealth, and his children. To make matters worse, he was afflicted with painful boils all over his body. Even his wife challenged him to curse God and die. But in a statement of remarkable faith, Job responded.

But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips.

Job 2:10 (NKJV)

Although my loss was not as severe as the losses that Job experienced, it was difficult for us. At that moment, I could have chosen to curse God and my circumstances or praise Him and His promises. God reminded me, through the example of Job, that a faithful life is not only about trusting and thanking God for prosperity, it is thanking God for adversity. It was an important and vital lesson in expanding and growing my faith in Him.

Praising and worshipping God in the midst of pain and suffering is one of the most difficult situations that God places us in. Our faith is a process, continually being perfected. As believers in Jesus Christ, we will only reach perfection when we die and are resurrected with a new body in His presence in Heaven. Until then, God continues to transform us into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ.

Praise God for the adversities He sends my way so that I may have my faith perfected in HIm.

Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.