Year of the Bible: Part Seven of TwelveIsampula

Not "Why?" but "Who?"

God called Job a man of perfect integrity, yet even a man of perfect integrity was humbled when standing in the presence of God. Job's encounter with God fostered newfound awe and respect toward God's sovereignty. Job's admission that he spoke out of ignorance was profound as he recognized God's eminence!

Suffering can be a result of many factors. The sin of other people, our sin, circumstances beyond our control, natural disasters—the list goes on and on. When we encounter suffering, it's difficult to reconcile the "why's?": "Why is this happening to me?" or "Why would God allow this?" But what if the right question to ask is actually "Who?": "Whose help do I need to overcome this struggle?" and "Who can help me with this pain?" The answer comes when we take our questions and turn to the Savior.

Tony Evans notes, "God sometimes allows us to go through painful and even prolonged suffering to give us a fresh vision of Him that goes far beyond what we could have otherwise experienced."

After Job repented for his misunderstanding and accusations toward God, God turned to Job's friends and let them know that not all suffering results from sin. He made it clear that not only had they been wrong about Job, but they had also been wrong about God. The irony of God having Job, whom they had accused of being sinful, pray for them is almost comical. In this twist of events, God used Job to mediate for his friends. This is a picture of Jesus long before He was on earth. Job helped restore His friends to rightness with God.

The grace God showed to Job and his friends helps us see that God is interested in helping us understand more of His character and heart.

Question: What new things do you see in God's character from the story of Job?

Prayer: God, please give me a fresh vision to see You in meaningful ways. Help me to trust You so fully that I can say, "Even if He kills me, I will hope in Him!" (Job 13:15)