FAITH CAPSULE: Constantly ask God for his grace of deliverance and preservation.

Job 1, Psalm 140

The Bible described Job as a blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil. (Job1:1) Job was blessed with material possessions. The bible accounted for his possessions, “…seven thousand sheep, three thousand camels, five hundred yoke of oxen, five hundred female donkeys, and a very large household, so that this man was the greatest of all the people of the East.” (Job 1:3) He was also blessed with seven sons and three daughters. In one day, without warning, he lost all of his blessings despite his standing in the Lord. Job lurched from the pinnacle of prosperity to the pit of poverty. Disasters located Job from earth and heaven. From earth, his livestock and servants were raided and killed by the Sabeans. From heaven, fire fell and burned up the sheep and servants and great wind destroyed his house and killed his children. As if the loss of property and children was not enough his health became a victim of unexpected attack. Job was struck, “…with painful boils from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head. And he took for himself a potsherd with which to scrape himself while he sat in the midst of the ashes.” (Job 2:7-8) In the midst of it all, Job did not despise his God. As a result of Job’s challenges, his world (three friends) questioned his standing in the Lord and concluded it was the result of Job’s sin to God.
Job’s affliction was the request of Satan. At the time  Satan went before God he asked, “But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!” (Job 1:11)  God did not deny the request of Satan but responded, “…Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.” So Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.”” (Job 1:12) True indeed, the devil is always on the move going about searching for whom to devour. As a believer, regardless of your assumed title in the name of God, it is not carelessness to constantly ask God for his grace of deliverance and preservation. David prayed it, “Deliver me, O Lord, from evil men; preserve me from violent men, who plan evil things in their hearts…” (Psalm 140:1-2) Paul knew to pray it in his letter 2Timothy4:18, “And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!” Are you considering yourself too righteous and one with blameless and upright record before God and need not to be asking for deliverance and preservation from God? David prayed, Paul prayed you too watch out and pray.

Prayer for today: Just like David asked, you ask for yourself, “Do not grant, O Lord, the desires of the wicked concerning your life.”