THE GOD TO WHOM WE ARE ACCOUNTABLE

Since Job did not know the reason why God was allowing suffering in his life, he began to address his innocence before God. In Chapter 31, Job defended his integrity before God. He asserted that he had never given in to lust or deceit, never committed adultery, and never mistreated his servants. He had been generous to the poor, widows, and orphans. Job stated that he never placed his trust in gold or wealth, nor did he worship false gods. As far as Job was concerned, he was innocent before God. Job prayed this prayer to God: "O God, grant me these two things, and then I will be able to face you. Remove your heavy hand from me, and don't terrify me with your awesome presence. Now summon me, and I will answer! Or let me speak to you, and you reply. Tell me, what have I done wrong? Show me my rebellion and my sin" (Job 13:20-23). We can learn from Job that, despite his suffering, he never blamed God or held resentment toward Him. Instead, he humbled himself before God, seeking to make things right. Even though Job felt innocent in his circumstances, he stayed open to the possibility of unrecognized sins in his life, so he prayed to God to reveal to him any sin that he was not aware of. 

Job's knowledge of God and deep faith in God protected him from blaming God for what happened to him. He recognized that God was the maker of the universe and holds the soul of every living thing and the breath of all humankind (Job 12:10). We need to recognize, just as Job did, that we all answer to God. God has the right to discipline us when we sin, but He also has the right to allow us to suffer, or even take our lives. We must humble ourselves before God in our suffering because He is the God who made us and to whom we answer. We may not understand what He is doing in our lives or in this world, but God is fulfilling His purpose and plan that is beyond our understanding. Job said these words in the middle of his suffering, acknowledging his hope in God, "But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last. And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God! I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought!" (Job 19:25-27). 

God is our hope in the midst of our suffering. We may not fully understand our situation right now, but as we trust Him, He will guide us toward a solution, healing, and restoration.

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) Why did Job never blame God for his suffering? What should be my response to God in the midst of my suffering? Is there something that God is showing me in today's devotion?

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, you know everything about me. Please forgive me for all the sins that I have done. I acknowledge that you are my God, and that you do things that are beyond my understanding. I may not understand what you are doing, but I trust in your love, grace, and mercy, that you will lead me to a solution, healing, and restoration. In your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.