God's story in your suffering

One of my favorite authors is C. S. Lewis. I quote him often, yet I sometimes hold back to avoid giving the impression that he is the only author I read! However, if that were true, I believe I would be all the better for it. The great thing about Lewis is that since he passed away many years ago, he can’t change his doctrine like many contemporary writers have done.

We have followed Job’s disappointment with his friends and with God. Yet, a tension remains: pain persists, and God is sovereign. Job endures immense physical and emotional distress. He has questions and still longs to meet God in court. However, for now, Job shifts his focus from his loathsome situation to contemplating God’s greatness.

The beauty of studying Job lies in the fact that we’re not merely viewing a single snapshot but experiencing the whole story—from his blessings to his tragedies, including Job’s questions for God and God’s responses to him, culminating in Job’s restoration. Additionally, God gives us a glimpse into heaven, allowing us to listen in on his conversations with Satan. What a gift God has granted us in the book of Job!

Is there anything lonelier than pain? I’m not sure there is. When we know a friend or family member is going through a tough time, we reach out through texts, calls, and visits, doing our best to support them. Yet, most of the time, we must face our pain alone.

In this section of our Job study, we’re exploring Job’s disappointment with God. His words are honest and raw. As we noted last time, God's willingness to hear us speak from our hearts is a remarkable demonstration of his unconditional love. However, I must emphasize an essential point in this part of the story: Job expresses his disappointment but doesn’t linger there. So, let's ensure we do the same—learn and continue moving forward.

Job lost his ten children and his means of making a living. Then, the final blow struck when disease ravaged his body. The painful sores forced Job to isolate himself at a garbage dump to cope with both his suffering and the oozing wounds covering his body. Three friends came to help, but their words were as hurtful as his ailments.

Job’s friends did not sit quietly drinking coffee with him. They believed that the tragedies Job was grieving and his afflicted body resulted from his sins. We have examined their counsel to Job—well, their insinuations and accusations. Now, we will explore the themes that emerge in Job’s responses.

Above all, Job loved God. He was upright and blameless, devoted to serving the Lord. He lived a disciplined life of integrity and was the spiritual leader for his large family. He was the most remarkable man in all the East. Then, one day, he lost everything.

Zophar listened to Job respond to Bildad’s second speech and became impatient. He is one of those people who would rather talk than listen. Do you know anyone like that? Zophar said, “My thoughts answer me, because of my haste within me.” He doesn’t listen while others talk. Instead, he thinks about his response and can’t wait to share it. Zophar also noted that he was insulted by Job’s remarks (Job 20:3).