There are few people who are unacquainted with the suffering of Job. The New Testament writers expected their readers to know of Job’s suffering and his patience (James 5:11). As we read the forty-two chapters that make up the book of Job, many of our questions about suffering are answered and many others are not. We know that Job was an upright and righteous man (Job 1:1). We also know that Job tried to do the right things in life in relation to his fellow man and his God. Still, Job did not escape suffering; suffering still found its way into the life of righteous Job. Though we may walk in the light of Christianity, suffering will find its way into our lives as well, and we should be prepared (1 John 1:7). Many have claimed that the book of Job provides answers to human suffering that it does not. Still, others have failed to read and learn the lessons that can be derived from the book. Let us notice a few things that the book of Job clearly teaches us about suffering in order to be better equipped when the hour of trial comes upon us.

God Has Confidence in Humanity

While Job probably never knew about the events in the first chapter of the book, we do. We know that Satan walked into the presence of God and was looking for something to do (Job 1:6–7). God expressed confidence in Job and offered him up to be tested by Satan (Job 1:8). God not only offered Job up to be tested by Satan, but He believed that Job was righteous and would be able to withstand Satan’s advances (Job 1:11–12). Even after Satan’s initial wave of hardship, God had confidence that even when Job’s flesh was touched, he would remain true to his God (Job 2:1–8). Job did get frustrated, angry and agitated throughout his trials, but he remained faithful (Job 42:7). Satan was wrong, and God was right about Job (Romans 11:33–36).

Skeptics and unbelievers use suffering as a reason to disbelieve in God, but God believes in humanity’s ability to withstand some suffering. He told Paul that the thorn in his flesh was something he could endure (2 Corinthians 12:7–10). He also did not remove the cup of suffering that Jesus was going to drink through the crucifixion (Matthew 26:39). We may not have much confidence in our ability to deal with suffering, but God does. He did not think Job would quit and give up just because it was hard to trust Him. The Lord uses suffering to refine His people; we are sometimes made better by suffering (Hebrews 12:7–11). God believes His people can make it through suffering without losing their faith. We should believe in ourselves as much as the Lord believes in us (John 16:33). Just like He believed Job could endure, the Lord knows that we can, too.

Everyone Will Suffer

Job knew that he was not unique as a sufferer. His suffering was intense and harsher than what most people experience, but suffering is common to all.

Job said man’s days are full of trouble (Job 14:1). Whether we are Christians or not, we will suffer. There is no escape from this reality. Job did not enjoy his suffering, and he struggled to accept it, but he taught us that suffering will be a part of the human experience. Since sin has entered our world, so has suffering (Genesis 3). The question we all have to answer is whether we will suffer as Christians or as heathens (1 Peter 4:16). Christian suffering results in a crown if we hold fast to Jesus (James 1:12). It is a necessity to enter into the kingdom (Acts 14:22). Job acknowledged that our days are sometimes filled with trouble, but they can also be filled with triumph in Christ (1 John 4:4; 5:4).

Trust God Through It All

Job did not suffer perfectly. He wished that he had never been born and despised the way things had turned out for him (Job 3). However, we should also take notice of the many powerful statements of conviction and faith that Job uttered even though he was dejected and grieved. He knew God should be worshipped even on the worst day of one’s life (Job 1:20). He also believed God’s name should be blessed no matter what or who we lose in this life (Job 1:21). He understood that if we receive good from God, we should not curse Him when the evil days come (Job 2:9–10). Though Job felt he was being slayed by God, he vowed to trust Him (Job 13:15). He swore to wait until his change arrived (Job 14:14) knowing that his record of innocence was maintained on high (Job 16:19). Job wanted to speak to God and defend himself. When he finally met God through the whirlwind, he confessed that God could do anything, and man should repent when he is made aware of his sins (Job 42:2, 5–6).

When we suffer, we should remember to trust God like Job did. Maybe memorizing some of these statements of fidelity and commitment would be good for us to do. Job showed that the righteous do get upset, but we must never be upended by our trials. Job’s friends did not speak correctly about God, and we must avoid repeating their error (Job 42:7). When you are in the heat of hardship, remember to boast in all that God has done and will do (2 Corinthians 1:9–11). Hold the end of your confidence firm until the end (Hebrews 10:22–23). Remember the patience of Job and how things turned out for him in the end (James 5:11). Just like God did for Job, He will bless our latter end more than our beginning (Job 42:12; Romans 8:18). Job did not get all of his questions answered, and therefore, we should not expect that the book which bears his name will answer all of our questions. What Job did receive, God’s presence and comfort, was better than answers. God’s presence is what we need most in suffering (Matthew 28:20)!

Author: Hiram Kemp