MILK OR MEAT? (Job 10)

You gave me life itself, and incredible love.
You watched and guarded every breath I took.
But you never told me about this part.
(Job 10:12-13, MSG)

Do you remember the one fault Christ found with the church at Ephesus, in Revelation? "You have left your first love."

I don't remember that "first love" phase of my faith--I was only a child--but I have seen it in others, my mother, my children. Sheer joy, a desire to tell everyone the good news. It's like a honeymoon period. A new Christian is so in love with God, so amazed that God loves her, that she can't stop thinking and talking about it.

In time, that first love matures into a deeper understanding of God. Christians grow.

Job knew that "first love" experience, God's gift of life, love, and watchful protection.

Now years have passed. Perhaps his faith had faced various bumps over the years. He still felt loved and protected by God, but it had settled in a deep spot in his heart, a foundation for his life.

After a lifetime of experiencing God's evident blessing, assuring him of God's love, he lost everything: possessions, servants, wealth, animals, children.

Hebrews says, In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God's word all over again. You need milk, not solid food. (Hebrews 5:12, NIV)

Picture the heavenly scene with chapter one with this dialogue:

God: Have you considered my servant Job?
Satan: You've been feeding him milk all these years. You've given him everything he wants and needs. Change his diet to the solid food of hard times, and he'll get sick of you soon enough.

God gave Satan permission to test Job. He knew Job's heart, how he would survive the test. God wanted Satan to see Job's faithfulness, but perhaps He also wanted Job to know Him better. He wanted to change his diet. After this trial, Job could never again say "You didn't tell me about this part!"

God doesn't give us a test until He believes we're ready for the material. Consider. your test as a sign of your growth in Christ.