Pinecrest Baptist Church

This year has admittedly been a difficult one for me and my family. We have had many heartaches and sorrows related to the ministry (among other things). But, despite our heartaches, we should still be able to be thankful for what God has blessed us with. Indeed, Scripture tells us to, “Give thanks always for all things…” If we grow to have the relationship that Job had with his God, we will, by God’s grace, be able to do such things.

Job was a godly individual that walked with God, but was targeted by the Devil, and allowed to be tested. This man lost much out of his life that we would do well to be grateful for. If we do not have these things, there are two others that we will not ever lose, and can always be thankful for.

I. Be Thankful for Those that Labor (Job 1:13-15)

Job lost all of his oxen and servants in one fell swoop. Oxen were needed for food, but mainly for labor. In our day, we must be thankful for those that work for us, and with us. Sadly, we live in a slothful day. Scripture states that, if we do not work, we ought not to eat (II Thess 3:10). If we have faithful laborers under us, we ought to be thankful for them. If we have good co-workers, we ought to count ourselves to be blessed.

II. Be Thankful for Our Needs Being Met (Job 1:16)

Job also lost all of his sheep. Sheep were good for food, wool, and money. If we have a job, and the strength and skill to work it, we ought to be thankful. It is God that gives us our strength, skill, and opportunities to work and advance. He deserves the glory for giving such, for, as quickly as He gives us these things, He can take them back again!

III. Be Thankful for the Ability to Travel (Job 1:17)

When was the last time that we praised God for our vehicles? Job’s vehicles were his camels, and they were taken away. We need to be thankful for the ability to get around. It does not matter if the car is flashy and expensive. If it meets our needs, God deserves the glory for it.

IV. Be Thankful for Our Children (Job 1:18-19)

Amidst everything else, Job lost all ten of his children, in one day! When was the last time we thanked God for our children? When was the last time that we told our children that we were proud of them, or loved them? They need to know!

V. Be Thankful for Our Health (Job 2:7-8)

Next, Satan begged God to let him go after Job’s health, which was permitted. No matter the state of our health, when was the last time that we thanked God for it? Job was given a disease called Black Leprosy. This caused the flesh to turn black, swelled, inflamed, and scaly. It is the most distressing form of leprosy. Some of us complain about this or that about our health, but it probably does not measure up to what Job experienced! We need to thank the Lord for the health that He allows us to have!

VI. Be Thankful for Our Spouses (Job 2:9-10)

Would you believe that Job is going through all this, and his wife states, “Curse God and die!”? Can you believe it? He lost the faith of his wife. When was that last time that we were thankful for our spouses? A virtuous woman is a precious treasure (Prov 31), and a loving husband is a rare find indeed (Eph 5)! We need to bind ourselves to our spouses: holding fast, being faithful, and not letting go.

VII. Be Thankful for Our Friends (Job 2:11-13)

Job’s friends came to mourn with him over his losses. They came, sat, and were silent for a time. This was the wisest thing they did in the entire book. Their wisdom ended when they opened their mouths and began to accuse their friend of sin! Who do we have for our friends? Do they know that we love them and are thankful for them? True friends are extremely hard to find.

VIII. Be Thankful for Our Influence (Job 4:1-5)

Did you know that Job was a man of influence? He was a teacher and a mentor to many. Do we treasure what influence we have? Do we guard it and thank God for it? We all have some: whether amongst family, co-workers, friends, or strangers. We can influence others to be godly or not: the choice is ours.

IX. Be Thankful for Our Redeemer (Job 19:25-27) and God (Job 42:1-17)

The last two things are the most important, for we can never lose them. Did you know that Job spoke of Jesus Christ? He knew that his Redeemer lived, and that he would live with Him, because of his faith. In addition, he found out that God the Father was with him the entire time of his trouble. This is true of our God. He is a Friend that sticks closer than a brother, if we will let Him, and have believed in His Son for our salvation.

Would you believe that Job lost all of these things and did not charge God foolishly? At the end of the book, we find that he, not only passed the test, but had all of his goods restored, by God’s grace.

How about you? If you lost all that you had today, would you still be able to say, “At least I have Jesus.”? If not, you can trust in Him today, and know that He is with you. Are you thankful for what God has given you? It is easy to take so much for granted. With God’s help, we can be thankful.