The Book of Job: Why do the Righteous Suffer? Written by my Husband & Bless God and Live, Written by Me

The Book of Job

Why do the Righteous Suffer? Written by my Husband (Mel)

Job is a good example of a righteous man, blameless before God.  However, he was condemned by his friends because of his severe trials. Job lost seven sons and three daughters, as well as all his servants and livestock on the same day. It appeared to his friends that God was punishing Job, because of his sins. But it was because of Job’s righteousness, that Satan accused him before God in heaven. Satan claimed that the only reason Job served God, was that God blessed and protected him. God allowed Satan to take so much away from Job. 

Job naturally complained about the harsh trials that he was experiencing but, in the end, he remained faithful to the Lord. Because of this, God blessed Job with new sons and daughters, as well as more wealth than he had previously. Job was also blessed to live one hundred forty years after his fiery trial.

Many people ask the question, "Why me?" or "Why do bad things, happen to good people?" We live in a fallen world, where two kingdoms are at war over the souls of men, the righteous are tried, through the hard knocks of life. We should never judge someone, because they are sick, unemployed, or have experienced loss in their life. I have known some Christians, as well as pastors, who believe that God is punishing those who experience tragedy or loss. They are quick to reprove those whom they are convinced are living in sin.

 We are all tested and tried in many different ways; our hardships are normally not the result of wickedness. However, in some cases, sicknesses, as well as, tragedy, are the result of sin. Jesus told some of the people that he healed, to go and sin no more, so that nothing worse would overtake them. Habitual sins known as bondages, as well as unforgiveness, will block people from being healed or blessed. 

God’s Word teaches that if there are any sick among you, to have the elders anoint them with oil, and pray for their healing (see James 5:14-15). There are gifts of healings that God grants to many of his children. However, not everyone is healed, God grants healings, according to his will, and timing.     

 Jesus passed by a man who was blind from birth and his disciples asked him who sinned that this man was born blind. Jesus told them that no one sinned; he was born blind so that the works of God, should be revealed in him (see John 9:1-3). This passage shows that sickness, deformity or other handicap is not normally the result of personal sin but is the result of living in a fallen world.   

(1 Peter 3:6-9) In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.

In the same way, that gold is purified in the fire, so our faith is also refined in the fiery trials of this life. The goal of these trials is that our lives may bring praise, honor, and glory, to our Lord. The trials of life may bring about bitterness or backslidings if we allow them to. We all have the choice to become hard or bitter, or to allow these trials to build character, as well as strengthen our faith.   Therefore, we need to be like Job and praise God no matter what our circumstances are (Job 1:20-21 Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped, And said, "Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.")

I am well acquainted with suffering. I have experienced the deaths of both of my parents, my brother (who was my only sibling), one of my nephews, as well as my first wife of fourteen years. I was bitter toward God, for a period of time, and I had to learn to trust God again. When I made peace with God, He granted me visions of the afterlife, as well as, explained things to me that brought me great comfort. The Lord has also blessed me with a wonderful new wife, Julie, and she is my perfect match. I have made the choice to reach out to others who are suffering the loss of loved ones, and use my pain, to help others get through their dark time. When you help others get through life’s hard times, the Lord will strengthen, as well as bring healing to you.

(Romans 5:3-5) And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Bless God and Live, Written by Me (Julie)

In spite of all of Job's losses, he recognizes that God is good and just and pledges that he will trust the Lord no matter what!  Can we all say the same?  If you truly think about it, even though it is emotionally difficult to imagine losing those you love, and suffer through extremely poor health, can you honestly say you would not abandon your faith if you lost as much as Job?  Some of us have been there so we can answer we will trust God in all things.  

Yet often we first may go through trusting God in phases. You may know about the five stages of grief: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance (based on personal experiences, I would also add fear as a stage of grief). However, we do not always follow these in order.  These stages of grief can be applied not just loss of a loved one, but also to loss of a job, loss of a relationship not caused by death, frightening health diagnosis, or even moving.   

So, before you can come to peace with God you were most likely angry with Him for a while and maybe even gave up on Him.  But God never gave up on you, and you could feel Him calling you back to Him.  Your heart cried for the loss of God even more than those who died, and you realized your heart beat to the same rhythm as Job's.  Your Creator will always call you back to Him.  Trust He loves you and your heart may not fully heal this side of Heaven, but with God, we can find peace in knowing He carries your tears in a bottle (see Psalm 56:8), which means He feels compassion over ever tear we shed.

It is easier to go through the difficult moments if we make the decision before bad things happen rather than in the midst of the storm or after it passes, that we will follow and trust God in all things.  We should be like Job and declare, "Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him" (Job 13:15).

I can speak from experience. In 2023 when I was waiting to find out if I had cancer, I was determined to trust God that no matter the outcome, I would trust God.  I ended up being diagnosed with synchronous endometrial and ovarian cancers and went through two very painful surgeries (especially the second one).  While I waited to see what stage the cancer was, I praised God, and I promised I would still serve Him no matter the stage.  I thank God both cancers were declared to be stage 1A, and no further treatment was needed.  I still have post-cancer exams every six months, and each time I must reconfirm with God before I get the results of the new tests, that I will praise, love, and serve Him even if the cancer returns.

We can easily look at Job and see Him as a great man of faith, but one of the truly sad things about Job's story is how his friends and even his wife treated him.  They were not supportive or loving friends; they were accusatory and even tried to make him hate God. Therefore, one other small piece of advice I would give on the topic of Job has to do with how we treat others who are suffering. While is so very important we learn to trust as Job did, it is also so very true we should be like Jesus and have compassion when others suffer, not drag them down. 

This is especially true in terms of marriage; no matter what our mate is going through we must be our honey’s support system. 

Because Job was “blameless and upright, and one who feared God and shunned evil,” (Job 1:1) God allowed Satan to tempt Job to fall.  Job suffered many trials including the death of his children, livestock, the majority of his staff, and boils on his body (see Job chapters 1-2).  His friends were not much comfort, and his wife was just as bad.  In Job 2:9, she taunts, "Do you still hold fast to your integrity? Curse God and die!"

Let us never be this kind of spouse.  Our responsibility is to encourage our mate, no matter what they are going through.  Hold each other and let them cry on your shoulder.  Read scripture verses and pray together.  Whenever Mel or I are feeling down, the other will suggest, "Let's pray," and we will pray for peace and comfort. We should all hold hands and pray, no matter what time of night and no matter how exhausted you both are, or even if you are annoyed with one another (praying will also help ease tensions between you).   Remind each other of God's amazing love and of all He has done.  Know what your spouse’s favorite scripture verses are and quote them often.  

Whether a spouse, friend, coworker, or family member is discouraged, please do not tell them to "curse God" or to give up.  Help lift them up.  Offer comfort even when it seems darkest.  Remind them you will always be there, no matter what the circumstance. (In my experience most people don't want comfort right away or maybe just specifically not from you but let them know you are there when they are ready and will at least pray.)

And most of all, I want to encourage all of you, bless God and live!