I've been praying and studying about JOB, because we have something in common. I think I know why Job lost everything and everyone he loved. The answer may come from a dark place called, "why did this happen to me? The faithful believer?
People have made lots of money writing those, 'WHY do bad things happen to good people, who do good things, books.'
How very deeply we bury things we don't want to see.
If we would search hard enough and submit to be searched by the Holy Spirit, he will reveal a gem.
Elizabeth, I'm sure you're have read through this book carefully, so I won't give references, but only my opinion.
God was apparently satisfied with Job's conduct of his life & bringing up his family. So Satan comes to God after roaming the Earth (presumably to try to find someone to 'trip up' into sin). He probably found none, as all were involved in something sinful. This must have come up in Satan's conversation with God, which prompted God to say that His servant Job was unlike any other: an upright man who fears Me & hates evil. And so the account goes on to reveal God allowing Satan to have his way with Job, except to take his life (Satan must have received special licence to take life for this testing, that which is reserved for God only). And we know how, through much physical & mental difficulty, Job came through the temptations to still worship & honour God.
So, I see this account, though factual, as one that speaks to me of why sufferings may come to all of us. Why does God permit it? And does God have a purpose in it? The answers to these questions can only be found in the Bible, as any human opinion will invariably be wrong. All pain & suffering comes to us because we are sinners & live in a World affected by the fall of man ( Rom 3:23, 8:18). God permits it to the point of His set limitation ( 1 Cor 10:13), because suffering is a natural part of a fallen existence. If we didn't have pain, hardship & suffering, then we would be a perfect people living in a perfect World. Our sufferings prove to us the condition of our soul. Does God have a purpose in it? Of course to show us our fallen state, but also to alert us to the Way that is open for us to be forgiven for our sins ( Jn 3:16, 14:6), that brings on suffering. Do Christians not suffer then? We do suffer, but we now have the Lord Who keeps us & helps us through our trials ( Psalm 46 is precious), giving us an eternal hope that keeps our spirits strong, when the physical frame deteriorates.
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What was His purpose
People have made lots of money writing those, 'WHY do bad things happen to good people, who do good things, books.'
How very deeply we bury things we don't want to see.
If we would search hard enough and submit to be searched by the Holy Spirit, he will reveal a gem.
God was apparently satisfied with Job's conduct of his life & bringing up his family. So Satan comes to God after roaming the Earth (presumably to try to find someone to 'trip up' into sin). He probably found none, as all were involved in something sinful. This must have come up in Satan's conversation with God, which prompted God to say that His servant Job was unlike any other: an upright man who fears Me & hates evil. And so the account goes on to reveal God allowing Satan to have his way with Job, except to take his life (Satan must have received special licence to take life for this testing, that which is reserved for God only). And we know how, through much physical & mental difficulty, Job came through the temptations to still worship & honour God.
So, I see this account, though factual, as one that speaks to me of why sufferings may come to all of us. Why does God permit it? And does God have a purpose in it? The answers to these questions can only be found in the Bible, as any human opinion will invariably be wrong. All pain & suffering comes to us because we are sinners & live in a World affected by the fall of man ( Rom 3:23, 8:18). God permits it to the point of His set limitation ( 1 Cor 10:13), because suffering is a natural part of a fallen existence. If we didn't have pain, hardship & suffering, then we would be a perfect people living in a perfect World. Our sufferings prove to us the condition of our soul. Does God have a purpose in it? Of course to show us our fallen state, but also to alert us to the Way that is open for us to be forgiven for our sins ( Jn 3:16, 14:6), that brings on suffering. Do Christians not suffer then? We do suffer, but we now have the Lord Who keeps us & helps us through our trials ( Psalm 46 is precious), giving us an eternal hope that keeps our spirits strong, when the physical frame deteriorates.
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