Growing Through Suffering
Reflecting on the book of Job
Many situations in life are complex, even for God’s people. Sometimes there are questions in life for which there are no answers. Plenty of life’s traumas and tragedies have no simple explanation as to why they occur.
This was the case for Job. He experienced terrible suffering. Even though he was the godliest man on earth, he lost everything. His livestock and servants were gone. His children were gone. He was covered in painful sores. The general understanding of the day was that suffering resulted from sin, but Job had not sinned and God did not explain to Job the reason for his suffering.
It was tough for Job. He didn’t have the resources we have today when we are suffering. He didn’t have a bible he could read or a book of Job to help him. He couldn’t experience a Saviour who understood his suffering. He didn’t have a New Testament from which to draw encouragement. How helpful it would have been to be able to ponder verses such as these:
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven.” Matthew 5:11-12a
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18
“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.” Romans 8:28
“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” 1 Peter 5:10
“Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12
Job’s well-meaning friends made his suffering worse. There simplistic responses did more harm than good. Even today, there are people who make light of complex issues and flippantly throw out unhelpful advice like “You need to pray more”, or “You just need more faith.”
Job’s suffering stretched on. His friends were insisting that he was being punished for unconfessed sin. They were oblivious to the potential for God to have other purposes for this suffering. There were gaps in their knowledge. In chapter 21, Job proclaims the mystery of God’s providence because his friends denied it.
Job believed that his God was just and good. His circumstances were not indicative of that justice so he demanded answers. God was silent for quite some time.
Job expressed prayers of lament. Lamenting is communicating our anger, frustrations, disappointments, or sorrow arising from painful situations. Prayers of lament remind us of our vulnerability, but they turn us towards God, not away from him. Job experienced agonizing pain but he was relentless in seeking God. There were many things that Job did not understand. He was honest before God and we can be too. God understands our need to express our sorrow to him and, at times, ask him questions. God did not accuse Job of sinning when he asked questions, but he did correct his false ideas and understanding.
When God spoke from the storm, Job’s questions became insignificant. The appearance of God resulted in the disappearance of the questions. He received a whole new outlook. Job’s eyes were opened and he came to a more mature understanding of God. He came to know God, not just know about God. Knowing the God who knows all things was a sufficient answer to all his questions.
When we truly know God, our many unanswered questions will make no difference. Our faith will continue to stand firm.
R. Nonni Mouse