Faith and Suffering

Job 19:25

For I know that my Redeemer lives and that at the last he will stand upon the earth.

This may seem an odd verse popping up in the book of Job, which is probably best known for detailing Job’s disagreements, suffering, and, ultimately, his steadfast faith in the midst of his misfortunes.

In the previous verses in Chapter 19, Job lists his woes: darkness covering his path, the loss of his honor and hope, feeling anger directed at him, estrangement from family and friends, and begging for pity, which falls on deaf ears, his pleas ignored. What a sad situation! Job has every cause to be miserable and finds no one to help him in his time of need and sorrow.

I have participated in many Bible studies over the years, but never have I studied Job. Truthfully, what comes to mind upon hearing his name is the idiom “the patience of Job,” which is used to describe someone who can endure extreme suffering, hardship, or severe frustration without complaining or losing faith.

If you are over the age of 12, it is likely that you have suffered some injustice or hardship in your life. Maybe even before age 12, when you perhaps could not understand what was happening. I know I have, probably in every decade of my life. When I worked in a county in Middle Tennessee, I worked under a Director of Schools who was demanding, less than communicative, and sharp-tongued when he did speak. I just felt I could never meet his standards, and it was very frustrating. Many days I left my office thinking that it would be best for me to leave that job and find other employment. I didn’t, because of the people I worked with. They all experienced the same thing, and we supported one another. Poor Job didn’t even have a friend to support him!

However, Job endures his suffering with the assurance that he will meet his Redeemer. All his suffering will not have been in vain. Most scholars believe that this book was written between the fifth and seventh centuries B. C. (no Jesus born in Bethlehem yet) so he was referring to God as his redeemer, but he stood on his faith in the worst of his suffering.

In an introduction to Wisdom and Hymnic Literature in the Old Testament, one of the writers lays out key concepts found in this part of the Bible: the fallen world does not operate by justice, but we can trust that God is wise and just, even when the world is not. Through that lens it is easier to understand how Job endured all his trials with faith.

May you never suffer as Job suffered, but when earthly situations do cause you pain and suffering, remember that it is only temporary. Your reward lies with your faith in salvation and eternity with God.

Let us pray:

God, we thank you for your wisdom and your constant love. You desire what is best for us, not what we may think we want and need. Let us always give thanks for your justice, even when we may not experience it in this lifetime, Help us maintain hope and patience and to love and support those around us when they are experiencing difficulties. Amen.

This devotion was written and read by Pat Scruggs.

Grace for All is a daily devotional podcast produced by the members of the congregation of First United Methodist Church in Maryville, Tennessee. With these devotionals, we want to remind listeners on a daily basis of the love and grace that God extends to all human beings, no matter their location, status, or condition in life.

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