Central Truth

Life on this earth is not easy. But in the midst of hardship and trials we can rest on this truth: our Redeemer lives and He loves us. This earth is not our home, but one day we will be at home with our living God who loves us.

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Reflections

Job was a man of God and lived his life accordingly. God blessed him and Job was the greatest man among all the people of the East (1:3). However, the enemy sought to alienate this righteous man from God. Satan claimed that even Job's godliness was evil and that Job was righteous only because it payed off. He claimed that if he could tempt Job by breaking the link between his godliness and blessing, he would expose Job for the sinner that he really was. As a result, God allowed terrible suffering to come to Job in order for Job's heart to be truly revealed. In the midst of terrible suffering, Job held on to the truth ... that his Redeemer lived and that in the end He would stand upon the earth. How many of us have that kind of faith? Do we walk a righteous walk because it pays off for us personally, or do we also trust that our Lord is with us during times of trial?

My mother was a loving wife, mother and daughter. Ten years ago she was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease at the age of 63. Since then, our family has watched her fade away from us until we can hardly remember her as the lovely, graceful, giving woman that she always was. I have gone through times of grief and outrage towards God. How could He allow this to happen to my sweet mother?! I have not always had the faith of Job. I confess that I have not always been able to claim that I know my Redeemer lives. There have been times of spiritual emptiness and lack of faith that God even cares. My mom certainly never deserved this suffering and neither did Job. But in the midst of his suffering, Job knew that God's divine purpose is not always evident. He held fast to the knowledge that his Redeemer lived! And in the end, Job was rewarded, just as we will be rewarded for living closely and honestly with God, even in the midst of trial.

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Discussion Questions

1.  Have you ever had a selfish motivation for living a Christian life? What was it?

2.  What did you expect for your life when you became a Christian?

3.  How have you handled your relationship with God in the midst of trial?

4.  What can we learn about the story of Job as it applies to others we know who are going through trials?

5.  How can Job's story help us amidst personal setbacks?

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