DEALING WITH SUFFERING

Since Adam's sin in the Garden of Eden, all creation has suffered. Suffering and death became a part of our existence in this world. We go through all kinds of sufferings: financial difficulties, relationships, loneliness, depression, sickness, death, and many other sufferings. But some sufferings really cut deep into our hearts, and it is difficult for us to understand. Job lost his children, possessions, wealth, and health in a short period of time. The only person that remains with him was his wife, who lost her faith in God because of all the sufferings. Job's wife even suggested to Job, "Are you still trying to maintain your integrity? Curse God and die" (Job 2:9). From his wife's perspective, the only way out of his suffering was death. But what was revealed in her statement was her bitterness against God. Job's wife suffered tremendously because she too lost her children and security. 

It is so easy to miss Job's wife's suffering in the story because the entire book of Job was focused on Job. We need to examine her response because many people today react similarly in their sufferings. She was bitter against God because it didn't make sense to her why God allowed all these things to happen to her family. Her husband was a godly man. Job 1:1 says, "There once was a man named Job who lived in the land of Uz. He was blameless—a man of complete integrity. He feared God and stayed away from evil." Job worshipped and followed God, yet still suffered. He not only lost his children and possessions, but he was also in tremendous physical pain. There is a subtle understanding that many people have in relation to God, people, and suffering: good and godly people should not suffer, but ungodly people do. It is through this subtle understanding that many become bitter against God. Job's wife understood God by this subtle understanding. As a result, she became bitter against God because, in her own understanding, God was supposed to continue to bless and protect Job, who is godly, but instead, Job received tremendous pain and suffering. 

Tomorrow, we will unpack more about Job's response and how he eventually dealt with all his pain and suffering. Let us continue to trust God even when we do not understand the reason for our suffering. God is the only one who can pull us through our suffering. Jesus said these to us who have heavy hearts, "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) Do I respond like Job's wife in my suffering? What is my understanding of God, suffering, and myself? What does Jesus want me to do in my heavy heart? 

Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, there are many things that I do not understand, especially in the area of suffering. Please help me to trust in you and rely on your goodness in the midst of my suffering. Please strengthen my feeble faith that I may bless your name. You are the only one who can help me go through my sufferings. In your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.