Some Things to Remember About Suffering

Read: Job 2:1-13

As if things could not get any worse for Job. But who are we to underestimate the sort of damage the enemy will inflict upon God’s people? We never can be too cautious because he is always creeping about searching for someone to devour. The enemy is ruthless in his efforts to destroy us, and he will stop at nothing until he has managed to assemble a sizeable group of wayfarers to join him.
Let’s think about Job’s suffering again today. I noticed a couple of helpful things that may help us in our own suffering which, in its own way, is like that of Job’s.

First, I notice that the enemy knows no limits on his own (vs. 4). He is not bound by morality, conscience, or ethics. He is the father of lies and when he lies he speaks his native tongue. A little bloodshed does not bother him or make him queasy. He likes when people hurt and hate and harm. I also notice that he seems to think very lowly of us poor, hapless humans. He seems to think that when it comes to you and me the only thing that matters is our flesh. He seems to think that we hold nothing else in higher esteem than our own flesh. To be sure, some do. He seems to think that when it comes down to it we would rather live now only. This begs the question, “Do we?” What matters more to us: life now or life forever? What are we holding onto hope for? “But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness.” (2 Peter 3:13)

Second, I notice that there are divinely imposed limits (vs. 6). Well think about it: If the enemy killed Job how could the point be made? It seems that the enemy here is only seeking vengeance for losing in chapter 1. It is good to know though that there are limits imposed by God for our suffering. The Bible says that God knows our limits. Paul wrote, ‘God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.’ Again, this is God’s opinion of you. What matters is what God thinks you can handle. If you are experiencing it, that should be enough.

Third, the enemy will use anyone and anything at his disposal to accomplish his ends. His ends always justify his means. So, in his efforts to get Job to ‘curse [God] to [his] face’ notice how he even employs Job’s wife, “Are you still holding on to your integrity? Curse God and die!” (vs. 9) I here in the voice of Job’s wife, satan who is ruthless. The same thing happened to Jesus when he was on his way to Jerusalem. Satan employed Peter, ‘Never, Lord! This shall never happen to you!” Jesus replied, “Get behind me Satan! You are a stumbling block to me; you do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men.” (Matthew 16:22-23) We have to be wary of those whose voices echo the voice of the enemy.

Fourth, I notice that God also sent Job comfort (vs. 11-13). True, later on they will be more pain for Job to endure but at least for the first seven days they had the nerve to sit in the dust with him, weep with him, and mourn with him. It is especially helpful when we are suffering that there are people around to strengthen and encourage us. The book of Hebrews says that we should ‘remember those who are in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.’ (Hebrews 13:3) We stand side by side with the body of Christ, lest we forget to whom we belong.

When Renee was suffering from Hodgkin’s disease we were never a minute alone in our trial. We lived in Michigan by ourselves away from our family. The other day we were looking through some old cards from when she was sick and we found cards from people we have never met who were praying and suffering with us. We were never alone because even though God allowed us to suffer immensely he also provided for us comfort, support, limits and the strong realization that there was more to life than we had first assumed. God brought glory to His name through his people. He will do the same again. ‘Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. They have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.’ (1 Peter 1:3-7)

Prayer Thoughts on Job 2:1-13

Someone you know is suffering right now. Take time to pray for them right now. While you pray ask God how you might bring comfort to that person. Then set about the business of being a comfort bringer into that person’s life. You may never know how much you helped that person but trust me you will make a difference. Send a card, a letter, a package, call or visit. But remember, just do it.