And my servant Job shall pray for you, for I will accept his prayer ...
Job 42:8b
What might be learned from a servant like Job when we live in a world filled with suffering in our own lives and everywhere? Suffering caused by natural disasters, violence, crime, and wars with deadly consequences leaves us exhausted and questioning, “why.”
Job was a righteous man. He trusted God’s promise of a coming Redeemer. He knew he was a sinner and offered sacrifices to God for himself and his family. He served well as husband, father, and community leader. And then God gave Satan, the accuser, permission to test Job’s faith within limits. Losing everything and afflicted with boils, Job sat crushed on a dung heap, was accused by friends and his wife, and cried out to God. Job never cursed God. Seeing God in his power, Job repented. Strengthened by suffering, Job prayed for his friends, as God’s servant.
Stephen J. Carter
Oakville, MO
Lord, make me a servant like Job. Amen.
Reflect: Pray this week for service opportunities amid suffering.
Read: Job 1-3 and Job 42