The Paradox Of Job’s SufferingSample

God Watches over the Righteous

When we look at the life of Job, we see that every time Satan lifts his hand against God, it has to go through God. God determines, the extent and duration of Job’s struggle. God is watching over him at each stage. Most importantly, when it appears God’s hand has left him, God’s spirit is still connecting to him and revealing great truths about God resulting in those beautiful gems that flows out of Job's mouth during his darkest days.

The Psalmist assures us “The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and his ears are attentive to their cry; Psalm 34:15. 

This, by far, is the jackpot. The King of Kings and Lord of Lords is very attentive to the righteous. He knows what is going on, why it is going on, and how it is shaping His people to have a strategic advantage in the great battle against Satan—the battle for souls.

In this battle God ensures that the souls of the righteous are on the winning side, always. That no matter how battered they are in mind and body, their soul is moving on from strength to strength. Just as we are often preoccupied on the material benefits, God is preoccupied with our souls. Just as we pray fervently for physical healing and well-being of loved ones, God is fervently seeking the spiritual healing of our soul. He is carving out the best environment to nourish and strengthen our precious souls. 

As Job himself has stated “There is a mine for silver and a place where gold is refined.” Job 28:1

When other blessings need to take a hit in order to further the soul well-being, God allows it to happen. Whether we like to admit it or not, material blessings often do need to take a huge hit for the benefit of the soul. It is in those times that we need to simply trust, just as Job did.

Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good. 1 Peter 4:19

When we trust, we put on our soul vision. While we may desire that we get relief of our earthly sorrows, we believe that God is healing and strengthening our most precious possession, our souls.