Job 23:10, “But he knoweth the way that I take: When he hath tried me, I shall come forth as gold.”

Think with me for a minute—What would the world (Christianity, the Church, the Bible, your life) be like without the story of Job?

The book of Job has made an impact on so many lives throughout the generations. It is a celebrated story of an incredible man who did not forsake God in the highest and lowest parts of his life. Even though I may not go through the exact same things Job endured (and pray I never do), I find comfort and strength in his reaction to the calamity the he and his wife suffered.

The Paradox of Suffering

Suffering is not always the repercussions of sin, mistakes, and bad decisions. The elaborate nature of suffering finds its way into the complexities of everyday life, causing us to question our purpose and God’s love toward us. When I suffer, I sometimes feel like God is disciplining me for something I have done wrong. But, God never punishes His children, although, He corrects them like a good parent disciplines their children. Your pain is not a punishment.

Our view of God is so important. The story of Job is encouraging to me because it reveals that suffering is not contingent on the motive of my actions or punishment for my sins.

Job was tried not because he was the worst of men but because he was the best of men.

Paul prays, “That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death,” in Philippians 3:10. What a powerful prayer!

Even our Savior suffered in this world and He is the sinless, perfect, Lamb of God. Your suffering and pain gives you an opportunity to experience the love of God in a new way, because we fellowship with Him on a deeper level.

What does the story of Job teach me about sharing my story?

For me, Job’s story helps me to feel like I’m not alone in life’s struggles.

His blessings and hardships teach me that it is powerful when I share my experiences and testimonies other people. When we open up about our lives it lets other people know that they are not alone. And, isn’t that something we all long for? The feeling that we are not alone? Our Savior is touched with the feeling of our infirmities (Heb 4:15); whether that is grief, sickness, anxiety. He has walked the road before you and will walk the road with you, just invite Him along and He will be there—every step of the way. He will never leave or forsake you.

 

Author

Angela Overton is a lover of words, nature, and coffee. She is an ordained minister with the UPCI, has a Masters Degree in Theology, and loves to teach Bible studies. She and her amazing husband, Michael, pastor in Silver Spring, Maryland.

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