Job's Response - or - when bad things happen to good people

The book of Job tells the story of a righteous man who undergoes immense suffering, even though he had done nothing to deserve it. His children are killed, his property stolen, and his body afflicted with terrible sores. Yet, though all this “Job did not sin or charge God” (Job. 1:22). Even when his wife urged him to “…curse God and die” Job responded “…Though He slay me, yet I will trust in Him” (Job 13:15).

What can we learn from Job’s story? I suggest the following 3 things:

1. Bad things can and will happen to good people

Job’s trials happen when the devil makes a case that he was only righteous because God had blessed and was always protecting Him. He challenged God to take away those benefits and see if Job would not desert Him. God accepted the challenge.

2. God is in control

God, being all wise, knew that the devil’s arguments were full of lies, and that job would remain faithful - no matter what. Our Father could have prevented the disasters that Job encountered. Yet in His divine wisdom He allowed them to take place, knowing the marvellous outcomes He had pre-ordained for his man.

Are you facing insurmountable odds? Rest in God's promise - “I will never leave you nor forsake you” (Deut. 31:16).

3. God will bring you through

In the end, the devil was proven to me a lying loser, and God restored Job - big time. Job’s suffering taught him (and teaches us) so much about the integrity and power of God. God’s faithfulness demolishes the lies of the enemy. Job’s life, at the end, was better - new wealth, new children, and new fame (sorry guys, same wife).

All Job had to do was maintain his belief and faith in God. God took care of the rest. God will always be true to his word. What He did for Job, He will do for you. The same God is in control - trust Him to bring you through.