It is very humbling to look back at the times I have been shortsighted. I understood just one narrow piece of truth. And my greatest strengths also contained my greatest weaknesses. 

I also look back with gratitude for how God will turn my immature wisdom and manhood bravado into a testimony of His mercy: a gift to see my helplessness to please Him by my self-efforts and human reasoning. 

But everything changes with a God-encounter. Let that be our goal each day, whether we are experiencing great blessings or facing adversity from the enemy or dealing with our own damaged hearts.

Job’s misinterpretation of God’s character, led him to say, “I take back everything I said.” How often have we had to take back what we’ve spoken. And like Job’s friends and their shortsighted understanding and lack of love and wisdom, we all have spoken inaccurately about God. 

Job responded with repentance. “I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you. You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’ It is I—and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me…I have heard of you by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees you” (Job 42:2-3, see 5-7).

Job’s healing and the recovery of his losses took place after he repents and intercedes for his friends. He humbly asks God, who has more power and wisdom, to intervene on his behalf. Job’s recovery literally meant a recovery of his losses and the driving back of the evil he faced. What was taken from him was also recovered.

Job died 140 years later, an old man who had lived a long, full life, and was blessed to see four generations of his children and grandchildren. 

Nothing is over until God gives His final verdict.