Creator, Father, King #120

“Should we accept only good things from the hand of God and never anything bad?” So in all this, Job said nothing wrong.

WHAT WOULD YOU DO if you had everything this life has to offer, then suddenly all of it—even your health—was inexplicably stripped away and your only “comfort” (if you can call it that) was some misguided friends who were heavy on advice and light on compassion? Sounds like a pretty rotten deal, huh?

Welcome to Job’s world.

Job was both exceedingly wealthy and “a man of complete integrity” (Job 1:1). But in a short period of time, he lost all ten of his children, his riches, and his house. Then he contracted “terrible boils from head to foot” (2:7).

Most of the book of Job details Job’s spiritual struggle to understand his plight as several companions poorly attempt to comfort their suffering friend. This book is a treasure trove of insight for us as we navigate the trials in our lives.

What’s It Mean?

There’s no way to sugarcoat it: trials can be incredibly difficult and painful—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Like Job, you might experience friends who question your faith or offer unhelpful advice. Be patient with them.

Sometimes, like Job’s ordeal, trials seem interminable, pointless, and intolerable. You might wonder where God is in the midst of your hardship. You might cry out for days, months, or even years for relief.

But God is always there. As Philippians 4:5 says, “The Lord is at hand” (ESV). That truth then makes the following verse possible: “Don’t worry about anything.” If we fully believe in God’s love, goodness, and sovereignty, trials don’t have to produce worry.

Remember, God allows difficulties in your life for a purpose—to build your faith. (See today’s verse, James 1:2-4, and the November 20–27 devotions.)

God may never reveal why you’re experiencing a trial. The book of Job devotes thirty-seven chapters to Job’s laments and debates with his friends over the purposes of his sufferings. Then, for four chapters, God addresses Job “from the whirlwind” (Job 38:1), but he never offers any reasons for Job’s suffering.

Instead, God challenges Job to remember his place and trust in God’s holiness, power, and sovereignty. “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?” God says in Job 38:4. “Tell me, if you know so much.”

The message is clear: God is God. Job was not—and neither are we. It’s a hard truth, but a crucial one to accept during trials.

Now What?

Read God’s response to Job in chapters 38–41. It’s awesome!

Did You Know?

God eventually healed Job and blessed him even more abundantly (Job 42:10-17).