INTRODUCTION:

In our first study in the Book of Job, we examined the theme of why innocent people should suffer. We also learned that when a righteous man is suffering, God knows and allows it for His own reasons and purpose; we also studied that He sets the limits although we don’t know the extent of such limits. Today, we want to to examine what should be our reaction to suffering.

1.      TRUST IN THE FACE OF ANGUISH

Job was in despair. His whole life had been turned upside down. He had lost his wealth and his loved ones in a series of sudden calamities. Now his health was gone too. Why? Job was deeply frustrated; he could not make sense out of his trials. Yet in the depths of perplexity and despair he made one of the most profound declarations of faith recorded in the Bible “Though He slay me, yet I will trust Him”.

Job understood the truth of the resurrection. “If a man dies, shall he live again?” Job asked. He went to record the divinely inspired answer. “All the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come”. One of the things Satan never understood about Job was his motive. Satan thought Job only served God because it was to his advantage here and now. He was convinced that if God removed blessings and protection, Job would curse and revile Him. But that was not true. Job loved God and served Him out of sincere devotion. He trusted God even when he was feeling abandoned. This lesson of steadfast trust is one of the most important aspects of Character we can gain from any trial.

Job 13:15; Job 19:6-17; Job 4:14-15; Job 19:25-27; Dan 3:17; Gen 18:25; Ps 22-23

Life Application Question: When things are hard and difficult and all around you makes no sense to you, does your faith still stand and believe God is in charge? For example, terminal sickness; bareness etc. What can you do for people who backslide and withdraw their services including their money from God in the time of adversity?

2.      SEEK GROWTH, NOT VINDICATION

In the time of adversity, we must not seek vindication but reverent submission to God. Job wanted God to vindicate him in the eyes of his friends. Of course, people ridiculed him and that can be hard to take. God has His reasons for how He deals with us. And sometimes they are beyond our understanding. Job was so certain of his innocence and of the injustice of his affliction that for a long time he was unable to see beyond that. He tried to defend himself from the false conclusions of his friends and in doing so was unable to see areas of needed growth in his life. Again, God has reasons for allowing whatever happens- though we are often at a loss to fathom what they are.  

Job 1:21; Job 28:28; Job 30:1, 9: Job 32; Job 33:12-22; Lam 3:40, 49-50

Life Application Question: Has any problem in your life helped you to grow? Or do you know of someone whose problem helped to grow spiritually?