The story of Job shows us important lessons about suffering and our relationship with God. At the beginning of the book we see that God knows His servant Job quite well. In a conversation with Satan God asks His adversary: "Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?" (Job 1:8).

Of course, Satan accused Job of serving God for material reasons – he was very blessed. So God allowed Satan to test Job, but God determined the extent of the trial: "Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person" (verse 12).

Satan's attack did not achieve anything, so he went a step further: "Skin for skin! Yes, all that a man has he will give for his life. But stretch out Your hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will surely curse You to Your face!" (Job 2:4-5).

Once again God allowed Satan to test Job, and once again God set the limit: "Behold, he is in your hand, but spare his life" (verse 6).

The following chapters describe Job's suffering and his reaction to it. Through it all he learned new lessons about God – and himself: "My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes" (Job 42:5-6; NIV).

The trial was over and God blessed Job even more than before.

Some 3000 years later the apostle Paul described God's approach to allowing Job's trial – and the trials all of His people experience: "Every test that you have experienced is the kind that normally comes to people. But God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, he will give you the strength to endure it, and so provide you with a way out" (1 Corinthians 10:13; Good News Bible).

With these thoughts I wish everyone a rewarding Sabbath!