A DRAMA UNFOLDS:
Job 1:21 “I came naked from my mother's womb, and I will be stripped of everything when I die. The Lord gave me everything I had, and the Lord has taken it away. Praise the name of the Lord!"
Job 2:4-5 "Skin for skin—he blesses you only because you bless him. A man will give up everything he has to save his life. But take away his health, and he will surely curse you to your face!"
Job 2:9 "Are you still trying to maintain your integrity? 'Curse God and die!'"
Job 2:10 “You talk like a godless woman. Should we accept only good things from the hand of God and never anything bad?”
Job 3:3-4 "Cursed be the day of my birth, and cursed be the night when I was conceived. Let that day be turned to darkness. Let it be lost even to God on high, and let it be shrouded in darkness.”
JOB’S THREE FRIENDS:
1st - Eliphaz
Job 4:7 "Stop and think! Does the innocent person perish? When has the upright person been destroyed?”
2nd - Bildad
Job 8:4 “Your children obviously sinned against him (God), so their punishment was well deserved.”
3rd - Zophar
Job 11:13-15 "If only you would prepare your heart and lift up your hands to him in prayer! Get rid of your sins and leave all iniquity behind you. Then your face will brighten in innocence. You will be strong and free of fear.”
TAKING GOD TO COURT:
Job 23:3-4 “If only I knew where to find God, I would go to his throne and talk with him there. I would lay out my case and present my arguments.”
Job 40:4-5 "I am nothing—how could I ever find the answers? I will put my hand over my mouth in silence. I have said too much already. I have nothing more to say."
Job 42:3 & 6 “I was talking about things I did not understand, things far too wonderful for me….I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance."
WRONG VIEW
- Law of Fairness
- God
CORRECT VIEW
- God
- Justice
QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN SUFFERING:
Question #1 - Is this a result of my sin? 1 John 1:9 “If we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us and to cleanse us from every wrong.”
Question #2 – Is this an attack from Satan? Ephesians 6:12 “For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against the evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against those mighty powers of darkness who rule this world, and against wicked spirits in the heavenly realms.” James 4:7 “Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you.”
Question #3 – Is God using this trial to strengthen me? Romans 16:25 “God is able to make you strong, just as the Good News says.”
Question #4 – Am I being prepared for a special service? 2 Corinthians 1:4 “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When others are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.”
Question #5 – Is my suffering a result of natural consequences for which I am not directly responsible? Romans 8:28 “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”
This message from Camarillo Church has enlightened me and helped strengthen my grip on God. Members of my family have been struggling to get over the loss of my nephew Isiah and niece Cooky--they've been in their mother's relatives' custody for quite some time. I have trusted God to strengthen everyone in my family including my brother's kids for whatever "ending" this may have in the future. I believe that this is Romans 8:28 ~ "All things work together for good to them that love God..."
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