The Book Of Job And The Problem Of Evil

          Job was regarded as the holiest man on earth in his day (Job 1:1; 8). Despite his obedience and loyalty to God, He allowed very terrible things to happen to that man. Job ended up getting a bunch of sores and later lost everything that he owned to severe weather, including his family. In the end, however, God blessed Him with much more riches and even another family.

          This trial of faith served to show Satan that Job was indeed a faithful man. God is shown to be right in His claims. Naturally, Job's three closest companions gathered around him to offer comfort by giving possible explanations for all of the mishaps in his life. They suggested that his problems were possibly a result of committing a wrongful action or even having a sinful lifestyle. 

          Surely, they thought, Job must have done something worthy of divine retribution. However, he disagreed with the reasons provided because he knew in his heart that they were false. Job was in fact a righteous man in the sight of God. His ways were blameless. Job maintained the integrity of his ways by not calling into question the goodness of God.

          So he began to question and ponder why God would allow him to undergo all the pain that he was made to endure. He complained to God about his predicaments and pointed to the fact that he had done nothing worthy of condemnation (Job 31). We are given no specific explanation for God not preventing the suffering of Job. Undoubtedly, he was confused and anguished.

          Job continually placed his trust in his Creator. In response to his plea, God reminded Job about the fact that He is infinitely superior to mankind in every way. After all, He created life. He would understand how it works. Job was but a small creation. He did not understand fully the inner workings of the solar system. He could not conquer the beasts of the sea.

          Who was Job to put God on trial and make Him answer for His decisions? What is earthly suffering compared to the bliss of eternity? Job was simply not able to understand how God works. All that could be done on the part of Job was for him to firmly rely on God. This story is very much relatable to us in the modern world. 

          God's control over nature and His ultimate purposes are to be trusted no matter where they seem to take us. He is sovereign. We are not fully capable of comprehending every jot of His divine plan because of our limited understanding. His wisdom knows no bounds. Our will should be that His will be done.