01 Aug W2: God’s Process – Story of Job
REFERENCE BIBLE VERSES
Job 23:10-11 (NIV) | But he knows the way that I take; when he has tested me, I will come forth as gold. My feet have closely followed his steps; I have kept to his way without turning aside.
OBJECTIVE
To understand that God is processing us through trials to mold our faith and character
CONTENT
- God knows who we are
- Firstly, Job acknowledges that God knows the way he takes. We do not always understand trials in our life nor ourselves, but God knows us inside out and He knows what He’s doing ahead of time. God knew that Job was an upright man. God must also have known about his life; his pain, suffering, struggles, and challenges. We need to know that God is close to us and acknowledges our physical, mental, and spiritual structures. This awareness invites us to open our hearts to Him, trusting that He will carry us through with his boundless love and understanding.
- Trials will purify us – turn us into Gold
- The phrase “I will come forth as gold,” is drawn from gold mine experiences. Gold, a precious metal, undergoes a refining process to remove impurities and reveal its true value. The more intense the heat, the finer and purer the gold was.
- When Job was processed, he questioned himself, he questioned God. Job repeatedly asked God, “Why?” Through no obvious fault of his own, he was experiencing agony, and he desperately wanted to understand it.
- In response to Job, God asks a series of humbling, unexplainable questions about the wonders of creation. These questions lead Job to realize he does not need all the answers because he completely trusts the One who has them.
- Enduring suffering without an explanation required Job to have bold, unshakeable faith–a confidence that God works for the good of those who love him, and ultimately, he will fulfill his purpose for them. In our furnace of affliction, know that we are refined and purified to strengthen our faith just like gold in a refinery, so that our faith is shaped and molded to reveal His glory.
- Choose to trust God’s plan
- Like Job, we are not immune from testing through trials. Bad things happen to everyone despite their belief in God. Though we are Christians, God never promised us that we would have a smooth and easy life. However, he promised us that He is faithful, always in control, and always working for our good (Romans 8:28). In his story, Job shows us that we could choose to trust God’s plan as we go through our struggles. So, whenever we don’t understand His plan, we can trust that He is faithful, wise, loving, and that He has a purpose for our suffering. Remember, the goal is not to make us fail but to purify our faith and glorify Him.
REFLECTION/DISCUSSION QUESTION
- When you don’t have an answer to your sufferings/problems, how do you find peace and comfort in God?
- How has your faith been refined and purified through suffering?
REFERENCES