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Have you ever lost something precious to you? A loved one, a relationship, a business, a beloved article, a ton of money, a dream? And have you wondered if you could ever get your equilibrium back? I have. And that makes me think of Job in the Bible.

The book of Job can seem pretty depressing. It’s all about suffering! And really, who wants to suffer, or talk about suffering? Nobody!

But the story of Job is a perfect example of God restoring someone after trouble hits. At a glance, it seems like a book about decrease, but it’s really a book of increase and restoration!

There are lots of good things to say about Job. First, the Bible says, “[Job] was blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil” (Job 1:1). He had seven sons and three daughters, and his estate was substantial. Job 1:3 says, “This man was the greatest of all the people of the East.”

So wait... here’s a guy we might want to know more about.

Job had much, but one day everything collapsed. Everything he feared came upon him (Job 3:25) and everything he had was taken away from him. Marauding enemies stole his livestock and killed his servants, fire raged through his flocks and fields, all of his children died, he became deathly ill, and his wife turned on him.

But as bad as it was, Job’s suffering only lasted a matter of months. There was more to the story. Near the end, Job 42:12 says, “Now the Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning.” The passage goes on to list all the belongings and family that were restored to him. Job’s story ends well too: “Job died old, and full of days” (Job 42:17).

God is our restorer. He multiplies. You may have lost some things. Obviously Job did. But he didn’t quit on God. He didn’t have anywhere near as good a covenant as you have in the blood of Jesus, but he refused to turn his back on God. Despite everything bad that happened to him, Job said, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him” (Job 13:15).

Don’t Settle for Less

When things go wrong in our lives and we suffer loss, it’s easy to get a decrease or loss mentality. It’s tempting to settle for less than God’s best.

But don’t do it! Keep reminding yourself that your Father is a God of increase, a God who restores and multiplies (2 Cor. 9:10). The devil may have stolen something from you, but God knows how to make it up to you!

First John 4:4 says, “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” God your multiplier is greater than anything the devil has ever done. Don’t limit the greatness of God’s power toward you (Eph. 1:19), and don’t settle for less than His best.

I once heard a story about some college students who settled for less. On the day of their literature final, their professor stood before the class and offered them a choice. He said, “If you want a guaranteed automatic C, you can leave right now and not take the test.” Half the class left, delighted that they would pass the class without having to take the test.

To the remaining students who stayed behind, the professor spoke about ten minutes, sharing some things from his heart. He told them that he was proud of them for aiming higher than a C, and that good things come to those who are willing to work hard, maintain their character, and help others. He also told them to expect good things, and to keep demanding more of themselves than mediocre.

Then he said, “For those of you who stayed behind and were willing to try for better than a C on the test, I’m giving you an automatic A. You’re dismissed.”

I imagine that when the first group of students heard what had happened, they were kicking themselves. To be safe, they had limited their potential, settled for a C and missed out on a greater opportunity.

Have you ever limited God by settling for mediocre because it sounded easier or you weren’t willing to expect more? I must admit I have. I’ve played it safe and settled for “good enough” when “awesome” was just around the corner. There have been times when I should have expected more or put in a little more effort. I don’t want to ever fall into that trap again. I never want to limit God.

James 4:2 says, “You do not have because you do not ask.” I think we should ask for everything that God has promised to give. We should expect everything that would benefit you and those you are called to help. God’s Word clearly shows that He wants to lavish His blessings on you. Don’t settle for anything less. God wants to restore everything to you, and then some!




Copyright © Karen Jensen Salisbury Ministries
All rights reserved. Used by permission.

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