"Job's Wife"

"Then said his wife unto him, Dost thou still retain thine integrity? curse God, and die."  Job 2:9

We know that when Job came under attack by satan, he lost everything.  He lost his herds, servants, children and health.  All he was left with was a wife.  And she encouraged him to "curse God and die".  Do you ever wonder why God didn't let satan take her too?  After all, she was no help to Job.  She gave him bad counsel and certainly didn't make his suffering any better.

I think Job's wife gets a bad rap.  The book primarily focuses on Job, but she is there behind the scenes.  She is there grieving as well.  She lost everything along with Job.  She lost her children-- not only one or two, but all of them in one moment.  She carried them, nursed them, nurtured them, took care of them.  A mother's heart is her children.  Behind the scenes she was suffering and suffering alone.  Her husband couldn't comfort her because he was dealing with his own illness and accusing friends. 

Although we don't see or hear much about Job's wife other than her statement to "curse God and die", we learn lessons from her life like we do from Job's. 

Those lessons?  God did not let satan destroy her because He still had a plan for her-- He was not finished with her yet.  The devil can't destroy you when God has an unfulfilled destiny/plan that awaits you. 

Although she made that statement, God knew that she spoke from her pain, not her heart for Him.  Often in times of grief, confusion, suffering and pain we say and do things that we would not normally say or do.  God understands, He remembers our frame and is still loving, gracious and patient with us. 

He was going to bring joy out of her pain.  He knows how to bring joy out of your pain.  Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning.  And with that joy comes renewed hope and strength.  

He was going to glorify Himself through, and in spite of, her suffering.  He knows how to work all things together for good. 

God used her as part of Job's restoration.  When the Lord brings you through a time of darkness, He can use you to bring restoration, comfort and consolation to someone else.  The book ends by letting us know that Job had other sons and daughters after his trial.  And his daughters were the fairest in the land.  Where did those sons and daughters come from?  How carried them in her womb?  Who gave birth to them?  The same one who said, "curse God and die".  The Lord completely restored and healed her and fulfilled His purpose through her.  

You may think you have "messed up" so badly that there is no hope from you.  Not true.  Think about Job's wife and remember that the same grace and mercy is available to you as well.  

Have a great day.  When you think about Job's wife, be encouraged.