Facing Trials: Job [21]

Why do we have troubles in our lives?

The first reason the Lord sends or allows troubles is, disciplinary or for correction.

The second purpose for Christian suffering is a trial of faith. This is the type of trial which God spoke of through the prophet Zechariah. He calls it a trial by fire:
This third [part of Israel] I will bring into the fire;

I will refine them like silver and test them like gold.

They will call on my name and I will answer them;

I will say, "They are my people," and they will say, "The Lord is our God'' (Zechariah 13:9)

Out of this kind of trial, faith is strengthened and refined. In the severest sufferings the believer's eyes turn more steadfastly toward heaven, and our faith clings more firmly to God.

It was by such a test that Abraham's faith was tempted and shaped into a grand form. "By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice" (Hebrews 11:17)

It was also for this reason that the Lord tried Job; and for such a purpose God still chastises his children.
Granted, under the heavy burden of trials, we don't always remember that trials are for our benefit.

Yet God’s dealings with his children are not so different from the way we earthly parents deal with our own children. What child can completely understand and appreciate exactly why a parent makes him do a certain thing? Children can only trust that we are making choices in their best interests.

Likewise the sons and daughters of God trust that in some way our heavenly Father is dealing with us for our good.

So, boys and girls we finally come to the end of Job. Hopefully, we have shed a new light of understanding about Job, his suffering and faith.

But wait...What about Mrs. Job?

[continued...]