Job god's story in your suffering

Sometimes, God whispers. Elijah called it God’s “still small voice” (1 Kings 19:12 KJV). Sometimes, God shouts. Moses experienced lightning and thunder (Ex. 19:16-19). The prophet Nahum said God’s presence was like a storm (Nahum 1:3). In Job, God comes in a “whirlwind.”

Today, in our study of the book of Job, God speaks to Job “out of the whirlwind” (38:1). It was an event Job would never forget! Let’s begin with an overview of what God says. Then, as we continue this section, we’ll delve deeper into God’s interaction with Job.

One of the many things I love about this book is how it embodies the essence of holding onto your faith while engaging in genuine and heartfelt conversations with God. Job maintained his walk with the Lord while seeking answers from God, yearning to stand before him in court and present his case. His passionate appeal boldly makes that request (Job 29-31). God graciously allowed Job time to gather himself before “bolting onto the scene” to address his faithful servant.

We considered Elihu’s presentation based on God’s graciousness in our previous discussion. Today, let’s explore Elihu’s argument regarding God’s justice.

It is reasonable to assume that Job’s attitude likely reflected this sentiment: “Just leave me alone!” However, another individual felt compelled to speak to Job and took his turn. His name is Elihu, and he is a bold young man I introduced last time. We will continue exploring his message to Job.

Today, I want to introduce you to a man named Elihu. Perhaps Elihu was a Dallas man. He vacillates between arrogance and expressing solid biblical truth!

Job was exhausted—both in body and spirit—deeply grieving and suffering physically. His friends blamed him for the loss of his family, wealth, and declining health, convinced that he had committed a great sin. The God whom Job had feared and served was silent, or so it seemed.

Job desired that his words be recorded on parchment and preserved in book form. Or better yet, his testimony should be carved in stone, with hot lead poured into the letters. This would ensure his story is “engraved in the rock forever.” Job didn’t realize it, but God answered his prayer! His story has been read and studied throughout history, and Job has served as a master teacher for all who love and follow God.

In our time, we’ve learned about Job’s patience, resolution, and perseverance, as well as God’s sovereignty. The story of Job presents complexity and raises questions as we contemplate God's character, Satan's attacks, and Job’s responses. When I read the book of Job, my questions quickly become, “How would I have responded if I were Job?” and “How do I act now when facing a period of difficulty?”