Introductory Thoughts
God offers no account of anyone (apart from the Lord Jesus Christ) who ever suffered quite like Job. Job lost his beasts and his servants (Job 1:14-17); he lost all his children (Job 1:18-19), followed by the loss of his health (Job 2:7-8). In addition to all these, he suffered the rejection of his wife (Job 2:9-10) and then his friends who came to “comfort” him, miserably failing (Job 2:11-13; Job 16:2). Job suffered beyond what most people could comprehend. He suffered spiritually, physically, and emotionally. Yet, when we read the account more closely, it is evident that in all his suffering, he chose to worship God rather than turning against God and placing all blame upon Him (Job 1:20-22; Job 2:10). Job in many ways serves as an example for believers today. Trials are certain to come; heartaches are unavoidable, but believers must continually praise the Lord despite all the difficulties.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): No matter the difficulties faced, we are to praise and thank God (Psalm 34:1; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18). Read each of these accounts and the situations in which these believers found themselves and consider their reactions (Acts 5:40-42; Acts 16:19-25; 2 Corinthians 12:7-10).
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(For everyone): Have you suffered as extremely as Job? Have you suffered to the extent that Christ suffered for you? The obvious answer is, No! With this being true, shouldnt you be able to praise the Lord in the midst of your afflictions?
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Read Ephesians 5:20. How does this verse apply to your response while enduring trials and afflictions?
Prayer Thoughts
- Take the time to thank God for allowing trials in your life.
- Ask God for a clearer understanding of afflictions.
Song
MORE LOVE TO THEE, O CHRIST
