Read Job 40:1-9; 42:1-17
Job was a wealthy man, blameless and upright, always careful to avoid doing evil. This story starts in heaven when Satan appears before God. God boasts to Satan about Job’s goodness, and Satan argues that Job is only good because God has blessed him abundantly. Satan then challenges that Job will curse God if he’s permitted to test him. God allows Satan to torment Job to test this bold claim, but He forbids Satan to take Job’s life in the process.
“Why would God allow good people to suffer?” is asked all the time. I know that seems hard to understand, but the Bible teaches us that God’s thoughts and ways are not like ours and that He knows what’s best for us. Life consists of “ups and downs” and “highs and lows” or what some people call “the process.” Now, when God allows “the process” or Satan to test us, and we pass that test, God gets the glory, and in return, He blesses our lives richly. Here’s the truth, God wasn’t concerned about the suffering Job was experiencing; after all, He allowed it. It was about Job’s response. How we respond to trials reveals the true intent of our hearts. Job teaches us the difficulty of this lesson as well as the importance of it.
We could reject the God who allows suffering; most people do. Or we could trust theGod of the Universe who remains in control over all evil and all suffering. Here’s the reality, suffering doesn’t make sense, and faith during suffering makes even less sense, but placing your life in the hands of a loving God who can take care of you is the only reasonable response a person can ever take. It’s called a sacrifice of praise. This act of worship (yet difficult) always brings us closer to a faithful and merciful God, but only if we choose it. The sufferings and disappointments of life will eventually find you; it’s inevitable. Will we humble ourselves before an all-powerful God and trust Him during times of suffering? Will we remain faithful to God?
Pray for 10 minutes