How Is God Involved In Our Suffering Series

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How Is God Involved in our Suffering?

Job 22-23

The last two months U.S. has seen natural disasters as well as man-made tragedies. Hurricanes devastated cities. Fires left neighborhoods in ruins. Terrorist attack killed many at a concert and another ran down bikers and pedestrians on a city street. And as recent as last Sunday, shooting at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas.

Christianity Today had an article that reads, "During its 11 a.m. worship service, a Southern Baptist church in rural Texas suffered not only America's latest mass shooting but the deadliest church shooting in US history. At least 26 worshipers, ranging in ages from 5 to 72, have died from First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, according to Texas authorities. Another 20 worshipers were injured."

No one is exempt from suffering, tragedy or disappointment. We all suffer pain and loss at varying levels. On a global level, there is war, famine and natural disasters. On a personal level, we experience death of loved ones, loss of health and bullying by others.

Pastor Steve taught a message in October on Why is there suffering? And he used the examples of Job, Joseph, Jesus and Jerusalem. Job's suffering was caused by Satan. Joseph's suffering was caused by stupidity or his immaturity. Jesus' suffering was caused by God’s plan of salvation. And Jerusalem’s suffering was caused by God's punishment for their sins.

Someone has said, “There are three rings in life - engagement ring, wedding ring, and suffering - but only the last is guaranteed.” Some suffer once in awhile. Some suffer continuously. Some suffer briefly at the end of life. But all will suffer in this life. Guaranteed.

Some resign in the face of suffering. They become disillusioned, depressed or hopeless. Some mature through suffering. They accept incompleteness, unfulfillment and pain in this life.

What is the difference between those who are resigned to hopelessness and those who mature amid suffering? I would suggest that how one answers the question. “Where is God in our suffering?” influences the response of the sufferer.

Our text comes from the book of Job. This book records one of the wealthiest and wisest men of the East. He lost his wealth, all his children and his health, but hung on. Even despite baseless condemnation by his friends.

Job’s wife encouraged Job to curse God, so God would strike him dead. This was an act of compassion. And there were moments when Job welcomed death. He wanted the pain to stop. But what kept him going?

Our text is Job 22-23, a dialogue between Eliphaz and Job. We read of their beliefs about God’s involvement in human suffering. There are three beliefs expressed. There is truth mixed with falsehood. Let’s look together.

First, amid suffering, some believe God is punishing. Job 22:1-11.

Eliphaz begins with sarcasm. He says to Job, “Of course, God is not punishing you for wickedness. God in fact is indebted to your goodness.” Then Eliphaz expounds on the possible nature of Job’s wrongdoings, assuming that the sin of the rich is oppressing the poor. And he concludes that Job’s suffering is God’s punishment for Job’s evil deeds.

Many believe what goes around comes around, including suffering. The atheist believes fate or chance is at work. The theist believes God is at work.

The Bible clearly reveals that God punishes wrongdoers. But if we all got what we deserved from God, we wouldn’t be here. The really good people would be in the hospital. The rest of us would be six feet under pushing up daisies.

The truth is, God’s judgment is tempered by His mercy and grace. Peter reminds us, “The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise [about judgment), as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).”

God longs to forgive us, not to punish us. That’s why He sent Jesus to die on the cross on our behalf. If you are asking whether your suffering is God’s punishment for your sins, it's probably a natural consequence for your sin. But it is an opportunity to turn to God.

Second, amid suffering, some believe God is waiting. Job 22:12-30.

Eliphaz warns Job to make peace with God, while there is time. Eliphaz basically says, “Even though you are wicked, you still have hope, Job. God is waiting for you to repent and to restore you.”

Sometimes God uses suffering to bring evildoers to repentance. Other times God uses patience to bring evildoers to repentance. But while God is patient with evildoers, the innocent suffers at the hand of evildoers.

I’ve done some terrible things. When I was in middle school, and not yet a Christian, my friends and I regularly harassed a handicapped boy. A few years ago I was able to reconnect with him to apologize and ask for his forgiveness.