Most of us know the basics of the story of Job. Job was a faithful and wealthy man in the Old Testament. God allowed Satan to bring tragedy to Job, and he lost his family, fortune, and health. Through the book, Job attempts to understand why this tragedy was occurring, and his friends come up with a variety of theories why this is happening to Job. Though they cannot figure it out, Job remains faithful. However, as the suffering continues, Job begins complaining and questioning why God would let this happen to him, when he didn’t do anything to deserve it.

Finally a young man Elihu speaks up and tells Job, in my words, “Yes you are having a rough time, but stop complaining. God doesn’t owe you, and it is arrogant for you to think that being good is some kind of gift to God”

In Job 35:12 he tells Job, “And when they [the oppressed] cry out, God does not answer because of their pride.”

We cannot know why God chooses to let us or others experience bad things, and we cannot think if we do good, somehow God is obligated to give us what we want. We should do good out of love and obedience, regardless of the consequences.

At the same time, however, Elihu continued in Job 36:15, “But by means of their suffering, he [God] rescues those who suffer. For he gets their attention through adversity.”

When we experience tragedies, we need to come closer to God, searching for his comfort and guidance. Elihu’s comments are a valuable message for us all, particularly when we suffer. Take some time to read Job 32-37. It is full of relevant lessons for us today.

Dear Lord, We know you love us, but help us not forget that you are God and we are not. We cannot understand the complexities of your plan, or the reasons for events in our lives and the world. Help us trust you and draw closer to you in adversity, and teach others to do the same. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.