I want to share with you an excerpt from a new book that I am in the midst of writing, “Unexpected.” Considering the days that we are living in, the timing of this book may be perfect. This passage is from the second chapter, “Reacting to the Unexpected.”
I find it interesting that Job had to rise up after hearing the devastating news. Some have speculated that in his sorrow he fell to the ground, it may mean that he was seated when he heard the news. I believe that he may have been in prayer for his children at the very moment that he received the news of his great loss. His habit was that he prayed for his children when they would gather together.
Job 1:4-5 And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one his day; and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them.5 And it was so, when the days of their feasting were gone about, that Job sent and sanctified them, and rose up early in the morning, and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all: for Job said, It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts. Thus did Job continually.
Job 1:13 And there was a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother’s house:
Job 1:18 While he was yet speaking, there came also another, and said, Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother’s house:
This is purely speculation on my part, but it could be that Job was sacrificing and praying for his children as they were killed when the house they were celebrating in collapsed from a strong wind.
What a perfect time for Satan to attack Job as he was in prayer. Remember, Satan’s purpose was to get Job to curse God to His face. Not only did God not protect Job’s children from cursing God in their hearts, but they died at the celebration. The thing that Job feared the most happened to him.
Job 3:25 For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.
Never forget, child of God, you have an enemy that will never fight fair.