In my Old Testament class last week, we studied the book of Job, one of the most amazing and difficult writings in all of Scripture. We explored questions about why God would barter with Satan, why suffering happens, how we respond to those who are suffering, and what this means for us today. We looked at the overall view of suffering in the book and the picture of restoration at the end. It is a glorious picture of God making things right again. It would have been a picture of hope to the people of God who were experiencing the brokenness of being in exile and their future laying in ruins.
Since our study, which continues to swirl around my mind, I have had no less than four individuals and couples approach me about advice and/or counseling. Each of them in the midst of their own Job-like loss and suffering. God has enabled me to be present with each one in their suffering....something that Job's friends were unable to do with him. He has also allowed me to give a glimmer of hope through the story of Job to each of these people. God continues to use the story of Job to bring hope to a world suffering so much.
I imagine that many in Japan today are reeling the events of the past 36 hours. There are thousands of Job stories out there and as the people of God, we are to be present with them in their suffering...and to offer a vision of hope for the future. Let's find ways to be agents of hope in this time of suffering and uncertainty.
Bob, as someone who struggled alongside you last week through the book of Job, your big-picture perspective is greatly encouraging! Thanks for this post and for showing how Job's story can be used today in meaningful ways. Love your closing line: "Let's find ways to be agents of hope in this time of suffering and uncertainty." AMEN!
ReplyDeleteBob thanks for sharing your insights and your heart. As always, I appreciate what you share and your generosity of spirit. I have a dear friend who is going through a Job-like experience this week and I realized after reading that my being WITH her in this crisis is more important than all the "advice" and words of encouragement and wisdom. As every pastor like yourself knows, when someone is in crisis, they cannot hear; but they can feel love.
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