“And the Lord restored Job’s losses. Indeed, the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before” (Job 42:10).
What a thrilling conclusion to the book of Job! Imagine 41 chapters describing the life of a man sorely tested and severely tried by all kinds of discouraging circumstances.
The Bible tells us that Job emerged from his adversity with a double portion of blessings. Only the Lord can truly end a story with the promise of living “happily ever after.” The world has no power to assure anyone that his life story will conclude on a happy note.
As a child, I was brought up on the Prince Charming story in which the hero overcomes all obstacles and defeats a fierce dragon as he battles his way to the enchanted castle to rescue Sleeping Beauty from a wicked curse. At the end, the two lovers ride off into the sunset bathed in “hearts and flowers.” Solid romance!
But the story usually doesn’t come out that way anymore. Today’s generation is supposed to demand a more “realistic” approach, so the writer might have a terrorist group plant a bomb under Beauty’s bed to blow them both to kingdom come!
Another writer might suggest filling the moat with crocodiles so Prince Charming gets discouraged, gives up, and goes home to become a hairdresser! Madison Avenue would have Beauty wake up accusing the Prince of having “ring around the collar!”
Despite society’s negative viewpoint, for the Christian, life doesn’t have to end on a “downswing.” Everything in the Bible points to an ending that is “upswing.” Job ends up with twice the blessings he started out with. That’s God’s intended plan for us!
Excerpt permission granted by Harrison House Publishers
Dick Mills was ordained at The International Church of the Foursquare Gospel in 1949. He and his wife Betty traveled as evangelists all over the United States, Canada, Mexico, Latin America, Europe, and Australia. Dick and Betty are now home in heaven.
In 1966 Dick and Betty became a part of the then-emerging Charismatic Renewal. Passing through all denominational barriers, Dick has had the opportunity to speak in thousands of churches of varied backgrounds all over the world.
He ministered within several Christian organizations, including the Full Gospel Business Men, Women's Aglow, Inter-church Renewal Catholic Pentecostals, mainline Charismatic groups, CBN and TBN television networks, and many other independent Christian TV stations.
Dick appeared on numerous radio talk shows, written several magazine articles, and spoke at many Bible conferences and universities. He served as an adjunct professor at six Schools of the Bible and Seminaries.
In addition, Dick authored and co-authored several books and tapes. Dick's ministry was characterized by the unique gifts God has blessed him with. His services informed, enlightened, and motivated people to a higher level of commitment to God.