Have you really ever thought about the life of Job in the Bible? Most of us have learned that life is not only difficult, but often unfair. So, was true of the life of Job. He was definitely quite blessed, but there also came a time of definite hardship, suffering, grief and pain.
Eugene Peterson said, "It is not only because Job suffered that he is important to us. It is because he suffered in the same ways we suffer-- in the vital areas of family, personal health, and material things. Job is also important to us because he searchingly questioned and boldly protested his suffering. Indeed, he went 'to the top' with his questions. It is not the suffering that troubles us. It is the undeserved suffering. " [Charles Swindoll]
Job was once an extremely wealthy man, full of prosperity, a godly gentleman, a fine husband and a faithful father. In just a short time, he was hit with destructive calamities that were of no fault of his own. Soon, he was left homeless, bankrupt, childless, and helpless. He was urged by his understandably grief-stricken wife to turn his back on God and to curse God for what he had allowed to happen to Job. Job 2:9-10 "His wife said to him, “Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!” He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?”
Job's faith is an exemplary example of trust in God, no matter how difficult his circumstances became his trust never wavered. He knew and believed in God's character; of goodness, love and trustworthiness. Is your faith in God that steadfast?
"Job realizes his pain was not permanent. With God, there is a way of escape. The suffering of this life is temporary and will end for those who trust in the Lord. After this life, there is eternal life with God in heaven for the believer. In fact, Jesus came to offer eternal life to all who would believe." [gotquestions.org]
Many people can relate to Job's suffering on the page, but when you really endure it yourself then it becomes more real. Did Job have caregivers to help both him and his wife out at home? Who helped their children in the dying process? Who took care of the living animals and the carcasses, as Job laid in bed in pain? Did friends donate money to help their financial burdens, like food, utilities, or basic needs? Job's story is more than just about him, but also about how other's responded in a 'love your neighbor' way.
"In short, Elihu condemns Job’s friends and Job’s claim of being without sin, declares God’s justice, condemns Job’s attitude toward God, and exalts God’s greatness.
Elihu’s life and speech offer many insights for today. First, he dealt with the real issues of the situation rather than looking at the situation from a human perspective. Second, he emphasized God and His greatness rather than focus on a human response to problems. Third, he responded with respect, allowing others to speak first before offering his own response. These traits can help us today as we seek to understand why God allows suffering and as we attempt to help others who face suffering." [gotquestions.org]
As for myself, I have been greatly blessed in my life in a lot of ways like Job's life was. Thru different life circumstances I, too, have been stripped of physical health, material wealth, and independence. I've had stressful family issues, in which some led to loss of loved ones. Suffering involves much more than temporary physical pain. There is an enlightenment in which I have seen God's hand working in my life. Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." This verse is so true in my life and it helps me to trust him even more on those hardest and darkest of days. Psalm 118:1 "Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever."
