Good, But Not Evil?
Raw Lessons from Job - Part 1
“Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this Job did not sin with his lips.” – Job 2:10
I’ve been reflecting on a couple passages in the Book of Job the last couple of weeks. This is part 1 of 2 on the lessons we can learn from Job about suffering. We’ve all heard statements or challenges about “Having the patience of Job” and their convicting challenges… especially when suffering or loss occurs in the natural course of life. I’ve certainly have tried to learn from Job over the last year or so with my recent AML Leukemia diagnosis. I won some battles, failed some battles, but I am thankful to be in the fight and I know the war has already been won.
One thing I love about Job is his honestly and “rawness” before the Lord. Job certainly didn’t understand why everything was happening – why the Lord would allow such calamity in his life and he’s raw about it. He shares with God exactly what’s he’s feeling, and I think that is the first and most valuable lesson we can learn from Job. Don’t be afraid to turn to God! Don’t be afraid to ask questions (there’s a difference between asking God questions and questioning God.)! Don’t be afraid to speak what’s on your heart and mind – to be open, raw, and honest before the Lord. You know this as well as I do, you’re not hiding anything from Him that He doesn’t already know AND understand far beyond you will ever know or understand. You can choose to be upset with God or you can choose to run to God where there is grace, strength, comfort, mercy, and boundless love for you… even in the midst of suffering.
The first passage comes early in the book – Chapter 2, verse 10. It’s a rhetorical question Job asks of his wife after she gave him what has got to be the worst advice anyone could ever give another person. After suffering the loss of his children, cattle, lands, and health, etc., Job’s wife in verse 9, “Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die.” (Job 2:9) WOW! I think we can all see where she stands. Yet, I do have much compassion for her as well as she watches her husband suffer “needlessly.” No doubt she is hurting and asking a ton of questions. They may not take on the same approach as her husband, but she’s troubled too – and no doubt, she’s upset with God.
It's Job’s response to his wife’s “suggestion” that stirs within me. It troubles me, but always lays out for a great perspective on suffering and loss. Here is Job’s response, “‘You speak as one of the foolish women would speak. Shall we receive good from the Lord, and shall we not receive evil?’ In all this Job did not sin with his lips.” – Job 2:10. It’s the underlined that I emphasized that has really had my heart stirring.
Let me ask you. “Shall we receive good from the Lord, and shall we not receive evil?” Be honest. (I wonder how my health, wealth, and prosperity friends would answer this question.) Honestly, I’ve struggled with it. I’ve struggled because I don’t like what the question implies on the surface. However, within the context – especially the dialogues between God and Satan, there’s clarity. It wasn’t that God was throwing lightning bolts of calamity at Job from on high. The calamities were the work of Satan – the work of evil (don’t forget that part)! God did no such thing. Yet, in His divine sovereign right, the Lord allowed Satan to tempt His servant – who remember was a man of integrity; he was upright and blameless before the Lord (Job 1:1). I believe the integrity of his faith and what he believe about God - these foundational elements of his faith caught on to this and while he suffered greatly and grieved beyond what I think we’ll ever understand, Job’s faith remained. Was it weak at times? I think so. I think it’s evident in his laments, yet his faith remained.
Back to the question in 2:9. The easy answer is yes. Job is choosing to hold fast to his integrity before the Lord and the very last thing on his mind is to curse the God to whom he holds fast. In fact, his response in verse 10 begins by “you’re speaking like a fool.” (Job 2:10a). Giving up on God and throwing in the towel was foolish thinking for Job.
The second portion of Job’s response it what may give a little pause, HOWEVER, what shines in Job’s overwhelming display of not just integrity, but tremendous faith and TRUST in his Sovereign God. God has blessed me – given me more than I deserve, why He’s allowed these things to happen, I don’t know, but I’m not bailing out on God. I have questions, I don’t get it, it hurts, BUT GOD IS STILL GOD AND IN HIM I WILL TRUST! It’s as if Job could read ahead of time and knew the words of Psalm 34:19, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all” or the words of Peter, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.” (1 Peter 4:12).
The first two chapters of Job – especially His response to His wife’s inquiry, we learn about Job’s character and suffering.
1. It’s a part of life. Job helps us understand that suffering is a part of life, and it is not incompatible with God’s goodness. A good perspective is one that acknowledges both blessings and sufferings serve as opportunities for growth and a deeper dependence up on the Lord.
2. TRUST! Trust in the Lord’s sovereignty – that He is ultimately at work (oft behind the scenes where you may be unaware) weaving together the joy of your Life. He’s putting the pieces in all the right places and his plans are no thwarted because of the devil’s work. God is aware of your hurts and suffering. He’s not blindsided by them, trust His unseen hand.
3. Develop an attitude of thankfulness. Personally, the last 13 months have been a constant battle for me. In fact, I’m writing you today with very little strength in my legs and body, but I am THANKFUL to be in the fight. I’m THANKFUL to be writing and sharing. I’m THANKFUL for God presence. I’m THANKFUL the times we’ve been able to look back and see how God worked many things together that would be a tremendous help to us during this period of my life. Friends, I could complain. There are many struggles, many questions, many confusing answers, BUT I’M JUST THANKFUL TO BE HERE under the loving care of God, my family, and the greatest support team the Lord has blessed me with. Find reasons to thank God and worship Him. I have found worship resets the mind to a healthy place.
4. Stay Faithful. The most important thing you can do to remain faithful to God. Abide in Him, even when facing immense suffering. Not only does it life you up, but is a tremendous testimony to others who may be suffering as well.
5. Persevere My Friend. YOU CAN DO THIS WITH GOD’S HELP! Hold on the hope of Jesus. Rest in His endless grace, tender mercy, and boundless love. Keep your head in His word. Allow the Good Shepherd to bring refreshment to your soul.
You too can have the unwavering faith and trust in God just as Job – even in the midst of great adversity. By the way, THIS IS NOT A CALL for you to just buck-up, suppress your suffering, or ignore it because you’re a “good little Christian.” NOT AT ALL. In fact, go back and read through the book of Job. While he always seems to land on his feet, there’s a lot a maneuvering – rawness and honesty before the Lord. If you ever need to talk or simply need an ear to listen, CLICK HERE, I would love to spend some time with you! YOU ARE LOVED!
For His Glory,
Pastor Pusch
Evidences of Job’s Persevering Faith:
- Persevering and Seeking God’s Wisdom – Job 28:20-28
- Acknowledging the Sovereignty of God – Job 38-41
- Trust God’s Justice and His Restorative Power – Job 19:17-25
- Seeking Comfort – Job 42:5
- Endurance Among Criticism – Job 16:1-5
- Maintaining a Humble Spirit – Job 42:1-6
- Forgiveness and Intersession – Job 42:7-10
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. 17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” – 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
