40 Weeks of Your Life: Job
07-24-2006
by Vicky Beeching

Wow, what a book. Job is an incredible picture of a man who stood true to God through the worst of circumstances. As the book opens we see Satan asking to test Job, and God agreeing. Painful circumstances such as death, loss of possessions and sickness fall upon Job yet he remains true to his Lord. He refuses to think negatively of God, despite the pain that surrounds him.

If you are in a dark time, this book may well be a comfort to your soul. It has been to mine, when things aren't going well.

Much of the book consists of dialogues between Job's friends and Job. We see them give their best advice, and offer many words to him. Mainly their words are unhelpful and unwise. It's a reminder that we should be careful who we listen to and allow to speak into our lives! Thankfully Job didn't listen to their advice and was not swayed by their perspectives. They were sure Job had sinned in some way and was to blame for his problems. Job knew that he had not, and was able to stand firm in that assurance.

Job is a book full of wonderful poetry. Look out for all the beautiful ways that God is described! At the end of the book we see the Lord speak to Job, and His words are so poetic. He explains that He made the universe and watches over it. He reminds Job of his Divine perspective ad that He sees all things and holds all things in their place. It's so encouraging to remember that!

Job is then restored and has more blessing and riches than he did at the beginning. What a great example of the assurance that if we wait for God's timing and restoration, remaining faithful and not bitter, God will restore us and bless us for waiting.

Job is a book that expresses much pain and questioning but ends on a joyful note, reminding us of the faithfulness of God.