Lessons From the Book of JobSample
![Lessons From the Book of Job](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapi.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans%2F35922%2F1280x720.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Does Sin = Tragedy?
Last time, we learned from the Book of Job that God is always with you (even when it doesn’t feel like it), and there’s always something to learn from Him in life’s tough times.
Often when you’re following Christ and putting Him first in your life, you can feel like things are constantly going your way. And the danger is you could begin to think that serving God is about living your best life and that everything you touch will turn to gold.
But unfortunately (or fortunately), that’s not what the book of Job is about.
Job was a man who strived to put God first. God described Job as “the finest man in all the earth. Blameless. A man of complete integrity.” (Job 2:3)
Regardless of Job’s integrity, he lost absolutely everything he owned. Sons, daughters, all his wealth… his friends gathered around him to mourn and then (in later chapters) proceeded to accuse him of sin he didn’t commit.
And if that wasn’t enough, Job’s wife turned her back on him, saying: “Are you still maintaining your integrity? Curse God and die!” (Job 2:9)
Job’s experience was the equivalent of being kicked in the teeth when you’re down and out.
His friends thought his tragedy was caused by some wrong that Job committed. But is that true? No!
So, when things aren’t going well for you – when your car blows up, your business fails, when people dislike you for no reason – it doesn’t (necessarily) mean you’ve sinned. Things can and do go wrong for those who strive to put God first.
Jesus Himself dispelled this “sin = tragedy” notion in the Gospel of John.
As He went along, He saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him.” (John 9:1–3)
When tragedy and difficult times strike, it’s not always a sign that you’ve done something wrong.
But it’s always an opportunity to ask what works of God are being displayed in your life.
Take a moment to pray:
Father, help me to see what you’re doing in my life and to trust you. Help me learn from you as I walk in Jesus’ footsteps today.
Scripture
About this Plan
![Lessons From the Book of Job](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapi.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans%2F35922%2F1280x720.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
The Book of Job is a wild story – a cosmic wager between God and Satan over the fate of a God-loving, good-hearted man, Job. But what can this ancient story teach us today? Well, at its heart is a simple lesson: bad things do happen to good people. Even to people who love God. So, how do you respond when tragedy strikes? Check out this five-day plan from Christian Surfers International for more…
More
Related Plans
![Prayers to Navigate Financial Hardship](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapi.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans%2F50449%2F320x180.jpg&w=640&q=75)
Prayers to Navigate Financial Hardship
![Romans](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapi.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans%2F50192%2F320x180.jpg&w=640&q=75)
Romans
![Rhythms of Grace](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapi.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans%2F50491%2F320x180.jpg&w=640&q=75)
Rhythms of Grace
![Scrap the Shame: Embracing What God Actually Thinks of You](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapi.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans%2F50402%2F320x180.jpg&w=640&q=75)
Scrap the Shame: Embracing What God Actually Thinks of You
![Hope for the Hallways](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapi.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans%2F50405%2F320x180.jpg&w=640&q=75)
Hope for the Hallways
![Psalm 127 Warriors (1)](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapi.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans%2F50441%2F320x180.jpg&w=640&q=75)
Psalm 127 Warriors (1)
![Financial Discipleship – the Bible on Litigation](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapi.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans%2F50400%2F320x180.jpg&w=640&q=75)
Financial Discipleship – the Bible on Litigation
![A Godly Mindset in Business](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapi.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans%2F50404%2F320x180.jpg&w=640&q=75)
A Godly Mindset in Business
![3 Money Declarations That Will Make God Your CFO](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapi.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans%2F50445%2F320x180.jpg&w=640&q=75)
3 Money Declarations That Will Make God Your CFO
![Anchored by a Commitment to Love](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fimageproxy.youversionapi.com%2Fhttps%3A%2F%2Fs3.amazonaws.com%2Fyvplans%2F50401%2F320x180.jpg&w=640&q=75)