Enduring FaithSample

Job

We remember the horrible trials of Job. Once Job had it all, wealth, family, fame, reputation, success and unfortunately, he lost everything. Job cried out to God and asked, “Why me?” The friends who tried to help Job told him to blame God for what had happened. Their arguments and rebuttals were foolish. This only added to Job’s pain and heartache. With friends like that who need enemies!

Job laments in Job 3:20-21, "Oh why give light to those in misery, and life to those who are bitter? They long for death, and it won’t come. They search for death more eagerly than for hidden treasure." Job was questioning God about “why couldn’t he just die already?” He felt hopeless and couldn’t see the way out of his trauma. The intense pain and loss were surely overwhelming. He endured not only physical pain, but also mental anguish. He suffered with loss of most his relationships, separation from God, and was overwhelmed. Not to mention, the worst friends who came around him, accused him. Even his wife joined in the chorus of accusations.

Yet, through all of his trials, Job remained faithful to God and held onto his enduring faith. He never turned his back on God nor placed the blame on Him. Job questioned God at times angrily and demanded an answer from God. God answered Job in a question. God sets the record straight and puts a godly perspective upon Job’s suffering. He shows us His own might and power and lays them next to Job’s laments. God responds to Job in a profound truth. Job 38:4-5, "Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you know so much? Who determined its dimensions and stretched out the surveying line? "

God owes no one an explanation. In fact, who can challenge God’s authority? Job sought restoration and was comfortable enough with God to ask what was on his heart. God heard his cries, and, in the end, God blessed Job for his enduring faith. Job’s story encourages us to go to God with all of our questions. He gives us restoration, grace, hope and strengthens our faith.