Back in February, the book of Job was my guide. Going through a situation I believed Job could relate with, I decided to look into his story. With time, I began to ask myself: What did Job really say? To God, his friends, and others. Also, how does it relate to you?
If you have ever heard anything about Job, probably it’s that he didn’t curse God throughout the trials he faced. However, as I read through the book, I began to think otherwise.
In the first chapter, verse 20-21, the Bible records that Job after hearing of all the calamities that befell him, he tore his robe and worshiped. What would you have done?
“The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord.”
Chapter 1:21 NKJV
Job’s wife in Chapter 2:9-10 asked Job to curse God and die. But you know what, he held on to his value system despite the heat. How well do you uphold your value system despite the heat?
While Job didn’t curse God directly, he cursed the day of his birth in Chapter 3. All 26 verses of wishing for death instead of facing the trials he was going through.
In my mind, Job’s friends deserve their own article because at some point, I felt so bad on Job’s behalf. They all came with accusations, insinuations, and judgement. Like their minds were already made up, Job is being chastened by God, that’s the only cause of this tribulation.
Job said this in Chapter 6:27-29:
You would even send an orphan into slavery or sell a friend. Look at me! Would I lie to your face? Stop assuming my guilt, for I have done no wrong.
Chapter 6:27-29 NLT
Do you keep quiet when you don’t know? Or you’re quick to conclude on an issue you don’t know about?
If only you could be silent! That’s the wisest thing you could do.
Job 13:5 NLT
As I got to Chapters 9 and 16, Job mentioned that there was no mediator between him and God. In that moment, I became thankful for Jesus dying on the cross of Calvary. Jesus is the mediator he desperately sought. You can read more about Jesus being the mediator in His redeeming love.
In Chapter 13:15, you’ll find Job’s words expressing his current dilemma. It didn’t matter if he died in the process, he will trust God and defend his ways.
Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him. Even so, I will defend my own ways before Him.
Chapter 13:15 NKJV
When Job asked God why do You hide your face and regard me as your enemy, I did feel it. The exact verse is 24 of Chapter 13. He’d gotten to this point where he couldn’t reach God, like God was avoiding him and inflicting pain on him.
The 23rd chapter isn’t any better but there’s an inflection point in verse 10. Job mentions that although he can’t see or perceive God, God knows where and what the outcome will be.
But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.
Chapter 23:10 NKJV
At the end of the book, Job himself acknowledged that he spoke what he hadn’t understood. Would you also admit when you’ve spoken wrongly?
You asked, ‘Who is this who hides counsel without knowledge?’ Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand, Things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.
Job 42:3 NKJV
Finally, in Job 42:5, Job gives a taste and see that the Lord is good vibe check.
“I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, But now my eye sees You.
Chapter 42:5 NKJV
After I read this book, my understanding opened up to the fact that you can know God but not really see him. Job knew but didn’t see until after the events.
Consequently, there is a restoration for Job after he prays for his friends. If you recall, his friends dealt multiple blows to him.
Although Job questioned God a lot, he never cursed Him. Going back to Job 2:10, I can say that truly Job did not sin with his lips towards God.
Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips.
Chapter 2:10 NKJV
No matter the test or trials that may come your way, my prayer is that you trust God’s heart, even when you can’t see Him clearly.
ICYM the previous post: Where are you?
One Response