Notes From the Pastor's Desk
July 13, 2025
Job's Secret for Prosperity
Read Job 42:10-12. Verse 10 says, “And the Lord turned the captivity of Job when he prayed for His friends.” Job, no doubt, was a godly man. If you read Job Chapter 1 that truth becomes clearly evident. Satan felt as though God had spoiled Job. The Devil felt if he could take away some of Job's material possessions, that he might turn his back on God. How fooled Satan was! Job's final prosperity is such a contrast with what he lost.
I. What Job Lost
As we read in Job 1, we discover clearly what Job lost. First, he lost His wealth. Wealth in Bible days was often calculated by the number of animals a man possessed. Job had 7,000 sheep, 3000 camels, 500 yoke of oxen, 500 female donkeys, and also many servants. Job was the greatest of all of the men of the east. Several enemies took away the patriarch's animals. Then, he lost his family, his sons and daughters, by a great wind, so that the house fell upon his sons and daughters.Finally, Job loses his health (2:7). He was covered with boils from the sole of his feet to the top of his head.
II. What Job Found
He found that three of his closest friends were critical of him and implied he must have not been doing God's will or all that trouble would not have come his way. You would think friends would try to understand you and stand with you instead of becoming your harsh critics when you are misunderstood by others. You can be a righteous person, live devoutly for the Lord Jesus Christ, and still face more troubles than you ever dreamed. God does not promise smooth sailing but He does promise a safe landing.
III. What Job Did
According to Job 42:10 he prayed for His friends. It was then God turned his captivity. He prayed for those who had falsely accused him, misaligned him, and those friends who were so critical of him. Read what Jesus said in Luke 6:28. It was then and only then God turned Job's captivity.
IV. What Job Experienced
Job 42:10 also says, “the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.” Because Job was responsible enough to pray for those who had done him wrongly, God gave Job twice what he had previously. Try it! God will richly bless you too!