Navigating Rough Seas - Job

Week 2 - "Life Gets Hard"

Job 40: 1-14

“The Lord said to Job: “Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct him? Let him who accuses God answer him!” Then Job answered the Lord: “I am unworthy—how can I reply to you?  I put my hand over my mouth. I spoke once, but I have no answer— twice, but I will say no more.” Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm: “Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. “Would you discredit my justice? Would you condemn me to justify yourself? Do you have an arm like God’s, and can your voice thunder like his? Then adorn yourself with glory and splendor, and clothe yourself in honor and majesty. Unleash the fury of your wrath, look at all who are proud and bring them low, look at all who are proud and humble them, crush the wicked where they stand. Bury them all in the dust together; shroud their faces in the grave. Then I myself will admit to you that your own right hand can save you.”

When the Lord first speaks of Job to Satan he says, “There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil.” (Job 1:8) It sounds to me like Job must have been doing something right in his life. But in the blink of an eye, Job was afflicted with pain and suffering. It is often in our lives that one day we are right with God and the next we feel broken and forgotten. Why is this? Pay attention to the way that God responds to Job “out of the storm” (his suffering) and reflect on what challenges you are facing in your life today.

First, when God speaks, Job acknowledges that he is unworthy. Simple fact, we are all unworthy of God’s grace. We are all sinners who are undeserving of God’s love and mercy. But guess what…He still sent his son to die for our sins. We may be unworthy, but He chose each and every one of us to be a member of His family. The next time you wonder why something has gone completely wrong in your life and you believe you have been a faithful servant, just remember that you are an imperfect sinner who God has so graciously chosen to forgive. 

Second, it is not our job to play God. The Lord says, “Do you have an arm like God’s, and can your voice thunder like his?” When we find ourselves in a ditch, it is easy to question God’s plan and begin to make one of our own. I can assure you that your plan will not turn out how you intend. God is far more powerful and He is working in ways that we cannot understand. Job says, “You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.” (Job 42:3) Trust in God’s plan. He will heal your suffering, pull you from the pit, and even release you from those chains. 

Finally, we learn that only God’s hand can support and save. In challenging times and circumstances it is easy to turn to the world around us for comfort. Rest assured knowing that God is the only one who can bring healing and restoration. Turn to him in times of discouragement and have peace knowing he will draw near to you. He will not forsake you. 

Deuteronomy 31:8 “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” 

Discussion:

1. What challenges are you facing in your life today? 

2. In the book of Job, God makes peace between Job and his friends. What relationships in your life are struggling and how can you allow God into them to create peace?

3. Reflect on what lessons you have learned during the more challenging times in your life.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank you for your love and mercy. I know that even though I am unworthy of your grace, you chose me and continue to chase after me when I turn from you. I know that your plan is greater than any other plan I may have for myself.  I pray that when I feel discouraged or afraid I turn to you and that you may comfort me. Amen.