What Can We Learn From Job-It Might Surprise You

Ever since I've been reading Job, I've been wondering about a common question I often hear: Why does God allow bad things to happen? Job answers that question nicely, I think. So, here we go. Let’s delve deeper into these 42 chapters and into the character of God.

But first, two stories to put this question into perspective. My daughter got sick at camp. I am 11 hours away. There were so many people praying for her. My sister-in-law, who is there, rubbed peppermint oil on her and let her inhale when she felt sick. According to Young Living, peppermint oil gives you a renewed feeling of vitality and vigor. I also know it helps with nausea. After my daughter felt better, I told my sis-in-law that God just needed someone to get sick so He could show His power through prayer. Prayer works. And my sis-in-law reminded me that oils are very Biblical. Also, my son got bit by five bees and he is allergic to wasps. I did not send his epipen (I know, I know). Another example that God used to show his power of prayer. My son was barely swollen. I realize wasp and bee stings have very different toxins, but again, I'm 11 hours away and no epipen...its in my purse. So God showed his power this week through my kids. Would I have it any different? No, no I would not.

It has been a while since I have done a Bible chapter study. In the past, I have gone through each chapter, but Job is a whole different kind of book to me. I would have to dangle a carrot in front of you for months if I went from beginning to end in chronological order. Most would get bored and uninterested. So, I've decided to start with the words of God in the last five chapters--after this introduction post. I want to base all the laments, speeches and replies on God’s unchanging Word.

We need to keep some things in mind when reading Job. There are several concepts I've pick up on. It is nice to read Job with these concepts in mind, I think. For a book that is 42 chapters, it is interesting that God only speaks in five chapters. He listens a lot. Concept One: God listens to our prayers, our laments, our frustrations, our fears and our doubts patiently. Have you heard the quote, “The teacher is always quiet during a test”? That can be applied here, too.

In Job’s time, people thought that your amount of suffering equaled the amount of sin in your life. And, that your blessed life equaled the amount of righteousness you possessed.   We all know this is not true when we see criminals succeeding and making millions (NFL) and the best, most selfless woman at church with small children gets cancer. Satan is not mentioned after chapter two. This is not about him at all. Concept two: God is more concerned about our reaction to situations than the situation itself.

Eliphaz, Job’s friend, is trying to find out what Job has done wrong and waits for Job to repent of some known, but secret sin. Eliphaz assumes a lot and falsely accuses Job. Eliphaz tries to answer a spiritual question with the world, culture and tradition in mind.

It is a good idea to be careful about how much man made rules, traditions and culture we interject into any situation. Concept three: We must filter our situations through the Word. It never changes like man’s rules, traditions and culture.

God restores! He restored the temple, he restored Israel after exile, he restored our souls (and a thousand other things in the Bible). If you are not following Jesus Christ, then, you will not be restored and by default, you are following Satan. Concept four: Satan does not restore anything. Satan may not make you ‘bad’, but he will make you so preoccupied you forget about God. Matthew 12:30 says, “Whoever is not with me is against me.” Why would anyone follow a road that was a dead end? Why would anyone follow someone who had no power to heal or restore. 2 Corinthians 13:11 says, “…Strive for full restoration…”. 1 Peter 5:10 says, “And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” This sounds just like the story of Job!

Two more concepts next week. Then we’ll get into it! Blessings!