Then the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” Job 1:8 NIV
Most recently I interviewed for a new position in my secular career. Initially I had no desire to take the position that I was referred for but over time I began to think about what a new destination looks like in my life. After two postponements for the virtual interview, I finally was scheduled for in-person panel interview. Nearing the close of the interview I asked the question what the ideal candidate looks like for this position? Understanding what the company expected from their potential candidate helped me to recognize whether I would fit this role. How many times have we raised the question if we fit the role? Are we enough? Am I an ideal candidate?
These questions raise the mindset of God in dialogue with Satan about Job. Job the upright, blameless, God fearing, evil shunner, father, husband, owner of cattle, etc. approved by God as an ideal candidate for testing. When we think about Job’s character its reasonable to understand why God considers him an ideal candidate for testing. How do you handle being selected as a candidate for a position you’re not interested in? What feelings develop when God volunteers you for an assignment you didn’t ask to become a participant in? Job was positioned to be tested because he was the ideal candidate, candidacy is not based upon our perception but rather God’s trust in our capacity to manage. I don’t think Job wanted to lose his children, lose his possession, or suffer in health yet God seen something in Job that made him fit for service. You may not agree with God’s view of your capacity, but you must accept it. Some roles we desire and other roles we inherit, what matters most of all is how we respond. “At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship 21 and said: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.” Job 1:20-22 NIV
Comments welcomed... I ask you how do you respond when undesired roles are given and they come with pain, loss, feelings of abandonment, etc.?