Job was deprived of everything that man depends on for help, strength, and security. The widely recognized richest man in the world lost everything except his faith in the God of Heaven. His was an intense pain, and he could not understand why God allowed the righteous to be so afflicted.
The defective view of suffering held by Job’s friends reflects that of many who name Christ as Lord in this present age–the wicked suffer, those who suffer must be wicked. The “health & wealth” prosperity preachers promote and prey on that philosophical premise everyday.
Several Truths to learn from Job’s experience:
- The sovereign God is still in charge and has not abdicated his control over the universe.
- Suffering is not necessarily a punishment for sin. Jesus suffered, yet he never sinned.
- God’s mercy is not always expressed in what we have, or don’t have.
- God limits the enemy, and he cannot defeat the Believer who trusts completely in God.
- The suffering of the righteous leads to richer, fuller, more mature faith in God.
- The Believer has a mediator who is continually interceding for Him against the attacks of the evil one, and will eventually justify the Genuine Believer for all eternity.
- Our platform need not be the earthly halls of power. Job sat by the side of the road as he defended His faith.
Knowing all these things, we can find in Job’s experience the hope to not only press on, but to live victoriously within the environment where Holy Sovereign God has placed us at this time.
Don’t give up. Don’t Despair. Believe that God works all things together for good for those who love Christ and are serving Him faithfully.
"As the pastor of Bay Springs Baptist Church, I thank you for dropping by our online home, hoping you will drop by in person on Sunday morning!"