In research, there is a common practice used to measure data: the pretest and posttest. The pretest is a baseline, assessing the state of something prior to experimental factors being introduced. As is suggested by the name, this happens prior to the experiment.
The posttest is a comparison, designed to compare the outcome of the experiment to the pretest results in order to assess change. As the name suggests, the posttest comes after the experiment.
In the life of Job, we find a man who goes through the most traumatic experiences imaginable. Job lost his kids, his wealth, his career, and his friends. His sheep even burned up! (It’s true, read Job 1:16.) Job’s life was turned upside down. His joy was low and his sorrow was high.
It’s fascinating to look at Job’s life before and after this series of trials. Prior to Job’s losing all he had, Job is described as blameless and upright, fearing God and turning away from evil. He had great spiritual fortitude and great material wealth.
Following his extended trial, Job repented of his wavering trust in God. Job was restored to God, and God restored his wealth to a greater degree than before.
The pretest and posttest of Job’s journey demonstrate a man who, in the big picture, was unshakable in his relationship with God. Though he had high and low moments during the trial, Job was fully restored to God. Like Job, our faithfulness does not mean that there won’t be moments of struggle or slipping, but it does mean that overall, our faith in God remains and grows.
If you aren’t in the midst of a trial, know that God is strengthening your trust in Him so that when difficulty does come—and it will—your pretest shows a strong faith that can endure. And if you are in the midst of great challenges right now, strive to endure so that a posttest might demonstrate that your love and trust of God has remained and even increased.
Trials are inevitable. Trust in God, who controls everything. Anticipate that trials will come, and aim for growth on the other side.
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