This episode provides you the listener a reading of the first three chapters of the Book of Job, who was a faithful man of God. The purpose of the story of Job was to demonstrate God's sovereignty and the meaning of true unwavering faith. It addresses the question, "Why do the righteous suffer?"
Job was from the land of Uz, being a prosperous farmer, he was very well off for his time in Biblical history of the Old Testament. During that time lost his
wealth, children, and health through no fault of his own. Even his friends were convinced that Job had brought this suffering upon himself. They wrongly
assumed that suffering always came because of sin, and tried to persuade Job to repent of his sin. But the three friends were wrong. Suffering is not always a
direct result of personal sin. When we experience severe suffering, it may not be our fault, so we don’t have to add to our pain by feeling guilty that some
hidden sin is causing our trouble. For Job, the greatest trial was not the pain or the loss; it was not understanding why God allowed him to suffer.
Satan attempted to drive a wedge between Job and God by getting Job to believe that God's governing of the world was not just and reasonable. Satan had to ask God for permission to take Job's wealth, children, and health away. Satan was limited to what God allowed. Satan was allowed to destroy Job’s children, servants, livestock, herdsmen, and home; but John continued to trust in God. Next Satan attacked Job physically, covering him with painful sores. Job’s wife told him to curse God and die (2:9), but Job suffered in silence.
Suffering can be, but is not always, a penalty for sin. In the same way, prosperity is not always a reward for being good. Those who love God are not exempt from trouble. Although we may not be able to understand fully the pain we experience, it can lead us to rediscover God.
We must learn to recognize and not fear Satan's attacks because Satan cannot exceed the limits that God sets. Don't let any experience drive a wedge between you and God. Although you can't control how Satan may attack, you can always choose how to respond when it happens.
It is easy to think that we have all the answers. In reality, only God knows exactly why things happen as they do, and we must submit to Him as our Sovereign. As you read this book, emulate Job and decide to trust God no matter what happens. Trust and believe in God, He will never leave you nor forsake you. What we must remember is that our God is better than any of our problems. When someone tells you how big their problem is, ask them, how big is their God.
Blessings,
Elder Barbara
LAB
Job lost his wealth, children, and health through no fault of his own. Even his friends were convinced that Job had brought this suffering upon himself. For Job, the greatest trial was not the pain or the loss; it was not being able to understand why God
allowed him to suffer.
