WORKING TOGETHER FOR GOOD

God knew Job. He had seen his faithfulness and dedication to Him. He knew Job’s strengths and weaknesses. He knew how much pressure Job could face. He knew that Job would be victorious. Job said, “But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold” (Job 23:10, NIV).

God also knows us. His eyes are continually upon us. He knows our every thought. He knows our strengths and weaknesses. He knows how much each one of us can bear. He will never allow Satan to bring circumstances we are not able to handle.

Paul told the Corinthians: “No temptation (trial) has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted (tried) beyond what you are able, but with the temptation (trial) will provide the way of escape also, that you may be able to endure it” (1 Corinthians 10:13, NAS).

The word “temptation” in this verse in Greek refers to trials and temptations God sends or permits. Paul said, “God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tried or tempted beyond what you are able.” Regardless of what circumstance Satan may bring into our lives, we can face it knowing that God has limited what Satan can do in our lives. He will not allow Satan to bring anything into our lives that we cannot bear.

There may be times in your life when your circumstances come crashing down upon you and you don’t feel you are going to be able to stand. During those times, you must remember that God knows exactly how much you can bear. He has confidence in you and has provided a way for you to be victorious. With every circumstance Satan brings into your life comes God’s provision for total victory.

God is a God of purpose, plan, design, and objectivity. He has a purpose for removing His hedge of protection from around us at times and allowing Satan to attack us in our circumstances. He had a purpose for allowing Satan to attack Job. To the natural mind it is hard to look at Job — who lost all his earthly possessions, who lost his children, who was afflicted and tormented day and night with an incurable disease — and see why God would allow Satan to afflict him. What purpose could possibly be accomplished through his suffering?

All of the circumstances God allows Satan to bring into lives are working together for our good. Paul told the Romans, “We are assured and know that (God being a partner in their labor), all things work together and are (fitting into a plan) for good to those who love God and are called according (His) design and purpose” (Romans 8:28, TAB).