Job 1:11-12

11 But put forth your hand now, and touch all that he has, and he will curse you to your face.

12 And the Lord said unto Satan, Behold, all that he has is in your power; only upon himself put not forth your hand. So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord.

Job 42:5-6

5 I have heard of you by the hearing of the ear: but now my eye sees you.

6 Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.

One of the biggest mistakes human beings make is to consider absolute what is relative: “I’ve reached my peak.” “What I already know is enough, I don’t need to learn more.” “I’ve accomplished my supreme work and now I’ll live off it.” “I’ve done everything according to what the Lord instructed me, so I don’t need to worry anymore.” Let us be careful! We may build something important, something we must protect with everything we have, but in the blink of an eye, it can vanish like mist.

Suddenly, the image of Job comes to mind, a man of integrity, blameless and God-fearing. His life was, as we often say, a blessing, full of victories and rewarding fruits. He certainly rejoiced in the success of his business around his untouchable family. But the unthinkable happened. He lost everything. His people abandoned him. “It can’t be, he must have done something very wrong.” “It hasn’t been revealed yet, but he certainly sinned.” “But it’s different with me, I don’t live in sin. None of that can happen to me. God is by my side.”

Let us think for a moment: what have we done to receive God’s blessings? Let us not compare ourselves to the wicked. Let us take God’s model as our reference. Let us remember that at any moment we may feel as if we are lost. Has God withdrawn his mercy from our lives? Let us pray that the Lord will continue to pour out his blessings, even if we do not deserve them.