As I was praying earlier this morning, the Lord brought to my remembrance the life of Job. . .a multi-millionaire.

In the first 19 verses of Job chapter one, we read of the demonic attack against this good godly man.

Job lost all his wealth, all his money and all his children were killed and then his health was attacked.  In a word, you could say. . .Job lost it "all."  He was broke . . . but not broken.

What was Job's response?

Job 1:20 says:

"Job got to his feet, ripped his robe, shaved his head, then fell to the ground and worshipped."

The scripture says Job fell to the ground but it doesn't say that he fell down in defeat, that he fell down and gav

e up...that he fell down and blamed everybody else.

The scripture is clear. . .in the midst of a horrendous attack. . .Job WORSHIPPED GOD.

As born-again believers, we need to understand that just because we love God doesn’t mean we won’t be attacked.  However, the key to our victory is not in avoiding the attack but in how we respond to the attack.

It’s important to note what Job did when adversity came … he didn’t call Brother Wonderful or Sister Marvelous down at the Tabernacle … the scripture says he WORSHIPPED God.

Too many times we worship God only when things are going well … when it’s convenient … when we feel like it … but in the midst of a demonic onslaught … the scripture says “he WORSHIPPED God.”

When the enemy attacks you, I recommend that you immediately begin worshipping God….

I encourage you to write down how God has manifested His presence in your life … list the times that He brought you out of turmoil … list the times He’s poured His blessings out on you and your family.

Psalm 34:1 says:

“I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.”                                                    

In the midst of the attack it’s more important than any other time to have that attitude of gratitude and praise God for all He’s done and is doing in your life.

Job 1:22 says:

“In all this Job sinned not nor charged God foolishly.”

Job didn’t sin … he didn’t begin singing “Nobody Knows The Trouble I’ve Seen”… he didn’t ask to be on Oprah or the Nightly News to tell how bad things were … he did as the scripture says, “not charge God foolishly.”

What happens when you worship God no matter what your situation, circumstances or problems may be?  We find the answer at the end of Job in Job 42:10 which says:

“And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.”

Job’s “friends” weren’t exactly the kind of folks you’d want to hang out with.  One translation even calls them “fair-weather friends.”

But here’s some good news…no matter what you’re facing…you have a friend that sticks closer than a brother.

Proverbs 18:24 in The Living Bible says:

“There are “friends” who pretend to be friends, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.”

God gave Job a new family and a whole NEW ATTITUDE.

Sometimes believers wonder “Why Me Lord?” but the real question should be “Lord what do I need to learn from this?”

I believe the book of Job has real meaning for our lives….yes, there is suffering and loss in the world … but there is victory over defeat … triumph over tragedy … and success over failure.

Most scholars agree that Job is probably the oldest book in the Bible.  I think there’s a reason why God had it written first.  It’s the story of a good, godly man, a millionaire who lost everything … maintained his faith … and got rewarded with twice more than what He had before.

Here are seven lessons we can learn from the life and times of a broke millionaire.

1.         Live your life in such a way that even the devil knows you’re a good person.

Job 1:8 in the Amplified Bible says:

“And the Lord said to Satan, Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who [reverently] fears God and abstains from and shuns evil [because it is wrong]?”

2.         If you anticipate trouble in your life. . it will come knocking on your door perhaps sooner rather than later.

Job 3:25 says:

“For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.”

3.         Know that suffering is temporary.

Job 42:10 in the Amplified Bible says:

“And the Lord turned the captivity of Job and restored his fortunes, when he prayed for his friends; also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.

Suffering. . .misfortune. . .debt. . .lack. . .all have expiration dates on them. . .and you control the date.

4.         In the midst of trouble don’t assume that your family and friends will be there to comfort and encourage you.

Job 2:9 in the New Living Translation says:

“His wife said to him, “Are you still trying to maintain your integrity? Curse God and die.”

5.         It’s the devil himself who wants to take away all the good things that God has given to you.

Job 1:9-11 in the Amplified Bible says:

“Then Satan answered the Lord, Does Job [reverently] fear God for nothing?

“Have You not put a hedge about him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have conferred prosperity and happiness upon him in the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land

“But put forth Your hand now and touch all that he has, and he will curse You to Your face.”

6.         Keep your focus on praying for your friends and others even as you battle for your very existence.

Job 19:21-22 says:

“Have pity on me! Have pity on me, O you my friends, for the hand of God has touched me!  Why do you, as if you were God, pursue and persecute me? [Acting like wild beasts] why are you not satisfied with my flesh?”

7.         You can lose everything you have but with the right attitude toward God and man. . .you will get double for your trouble.

Job 1:22 in the Amplified Bible says:

“In all this Job sinned not nor charged God foolishly.”

Let’s look at Job 42:10 a third time . . .and this time I want to share the New Living Translation with you.  It says:

“Then, when Job prayed for his friends, the Lord restored his wealth and happiness! In fact, the Lord gave him twice as much as before!”

Here are three things. . .I hope you will take away from this teaching.

First, don’t go looking for or inviting trouble into your life by the words you speak.

Job 3:25 says:

“For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.”

Second, realize that regardless of the severity of your situation . . . God’s plan and purpose for your life will never be thwarted or stopped unless you are the one doing it.

Job 42:2 in the Amplified Bible says:

“I know that you can do all things, and that no thought or purpose of Yours can be restrained or thwarted.”

Third, our God is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34). . .what He has ever done for Job or anyone else He will do for you.

You may feel like you’re down for the count but God will lift you up and make you victorious in everything your hands find to do.

Like Job 42:2 in the New Living Translation says:

“I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you.”

It’s interesting to note that Job made his declaration about God’s ability to deliver before he got double for his trouble.

Let’s finish where we began. . .when the enemy attacks. . .even if you lose everything including millions of dollars like Job. . .just start worshipping God for what He’s already done in your life. . .and what He’s yet to do. . .based on His precious promises.

Life will hand you struggles … but God will eventually see you through every one if you refuse to give up or give in.

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