The Lesson of the Story of Job
The the story of Job reveals what goes on behind the scenes in a believer’s life. The book tells how Satan, appeared in heaven (ch. 1:6–7) as “the accuser of the brethren,” and challenged God to test Job. He said, “Does Job fear God for nothing? Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!” (ch. 1:9-11)
The Lord tested Job to show his upright spirit. And although God’s servant lost his children and all his fortune, he responded, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” In all this, he did not sin nor charge God with wrong” (ch. 1:21, 22).
Then, the Satan again, “struck Job with painful boils from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head” (ch. 2:7). And Job’s wife told him, “Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!” But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips” (ch. 2:9,10).
During all his trials, Job’s love for God did not waver. From the depths of discouragement and pain, he trusted in the mercy and the saving power of God. And he declared: ‘Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him” (ch. 13:15). He knew who his Redeemer was (ch. 19:25).
In Chapters 38-42 in this book, there is a record of the verbal exchange between Job and God. The man of God wanted an answer from God about why he was suffering. God spoke to him with a series of questions that he could not possibly answer. Then the faithful servant replied, “I know that You can do everything, and that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You…. Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, things too wonderful for me which I did not know” (ch. 42:2-3, emp. added).
This story teaches us that we may never know the reasons for our suffering, but we must trust in our Heavenly Father for His ways are perfect (Psalm 18:30). We should love God whether we understand His ways or not (Isaiah 55:8–9).
This story has a most beautiful ending. After Job passed His fiery trial, the Lord blessed him for his faith and trust greatly: “Now the Lord blessed the latter days of Job more than his beginning… He also had seven sons and three daughters…After this Job lived one hundred and forty years, and saw his children and grandchildren for four generations…” (ch. 42:12-17).
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In His service,
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