The Subtle Enemy of Success
Job 1:21 The LORD gives, and the LORD takes away. Praise the name of the LORD!
You know those seasons in life when everything’s going right? Your job’s secure, the bills are paid, the family’s happy, and the road ahead looks wonderful. It feels great. But that’s often when a subtle enemy slips quietly into our hearts.
When life’s comfortable, it’s easy to start believing that we were the ones who made it happen: that our success, our comfort, our blessings – somehow, we earned them. But in truth, every good thing in your life ultimately comes from God, and the same God who gives sometimes takes away.
That’s the story of Job in the Old Testament. Described as blameless and faithful to God, he was wealthy, respected, and surrounded by family. Job 1:2 says, “He had seven sons and three daughters.” In that culture, large families and wealth were seen as signs of divine favour.
Then, in a single day, disaster struck. He lost his livestock, his servants, and even his children. And yet, instead of turning against God, he fell to the ground and worshipped, saying:
Job 1:21 The LORD gives, and the LORD takes away. Praise the name of the LORD!
That’s humility – remembering that everything we have is a gift, not a guarantee. So when your life’s good, give thanks. Celebrate. Enjoy it, absolutely. But if you hold onto it too tightly, pride starts to whisper, “You deserve this.” Yet when you hold onto it lightly, humility whispers back, “No – it’s grace.”
Humility is where you’ll find peace, not just in the giving, but even in the taking away. The LORD gives, and the LORD takes away. Praise the name of the LORD!
That’s His Word. Fresh … for you … today.
Blessed by this devotion?
Share it with a friend!
Respond