Suffering: A Study in JobSample

What does it say?

God is great! Who can know Him? Elihu declared God’s goodness, justice, power, and sovereignty. Man cannot know or understand God’s ways or reasons.

What does it mean?

Elihu felt it was his duty to speak for God to help Job gain understanding. He believed Job was neither obedient nor repentant, which was why he suffered. Elihu argued that Job wasn’t owed a blessing for obedience because God is sovereign. Regardless of whether or not Elihu understood Job’s situation, he did understand some things about God’s person: the Lord is powerful, benevolent, just, and sovereign.

How should I respond?

Schoolteachers and parents often use rewards as positive reinforcement for the right behavior. Likewise, rewards are withheld when a child’s actions are unacceptable. We expect rewards for doing what’s right, even from God. While obedience brings blessing, we don’t always recognize how and why the Lord directs our lives as He does. His blessing may come by withholding something you’re praying for earnestly. What painful situation might actually be God’s goodness in your life? What change are you resisting? Find peace in the confident recognition that God is in control. Remain obedient and look for His powerful, benevolent hand.