Job's Wife - Guarding Your Testimony, Part 1 of 3
When you think of Job’s wife, what is the first thing you think of? Most say, what an awful wife she was to tell her husband to curse God and die. Do you know that Job’s wife was just being the average woman? You say, “Oh no, not me!” Women for the most part think with their hearts, and therefore are emotional thinkers. The reason we get ourselves into most of the problems we have, or regretted something we’ve said, is because of our emotions.
When I read the book of Job, I am reminded of how much I must guard myself and my testimony. What’s sad to me is that Job’s wife had many good characteristics, but the one thing she is known for is letting her guard down and allowing her emotions to take control. In one moment of uncontrolled emotion her testimony was ruined.
Here are some things that you can work on to guard your testimony:
1. During times of trials and affliction, don’t let your emotions run wild. Think about it, we read the book of Job and feel sorry for all that Job lost. His oxen represented his job; his sheep represented his wealth; his camels were his transportation; he lost his children, friends, and health. Do you know that Job’s wife lost all of that too, except for her health? Yet, seeing her husband lose his health is a very hard thing to add to all the others things she had just been through. The grief of losing all of this in such a short time had to be overwhelming. I can’t imagine losing one child, let alone several. Because so much had happened to her, she allowed her emotions to dictate how she responded. You must be careful that in trials and affliction you keep your emotions under control. Don’t let emotions dictate what you are going to do, let principles dictate what you do.
2. Learn to base everything on the Word of God, and not on your emotions. If you have a walk with the Lord and truly desire to serve Him in every way, you will allow the principles of the Bible to guide you in the hard times, and not your emotions. The Word of God never changes, but your emotions will. When you feel good and life is going well, you can make great decisions. It’s during trials and hard times that you have trouble thinking clearly. You have to remember not to make decisions when your decision maker is broken. That’s why it’s so important to stay in the Word of God when trials come.
3. Be careful what you say in times of trial. Job’s wife said exactly what she was feeling at the moment. How many times have you said exactly what you thought and afterwards regretted it? I’m sure if Job’s wife would’ve known that her response was going to be recorded in the Bible and that she’d go down in history for that ONE statement, she would’ve more clearly thought out what she said. God knew that Job was a strong Christian and could take testing’s from the Devil. Not only was Job fighting the Devil through his trials, but also his wife added fuel to the fire with her statement. Her words should have been ones to encourage him, and not full of discouragement. You have to be so careful what you say and when you say it. You may be the straw that breaks the camel’s back.
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