Who God Is in the Midst of All Things (Job 40–42)
God then changes the direction of His questions, leading Job to an even deeper understanding of how big and powerful the Lord is and how small Job really is (Job 40–41).
Job can do nothing but acknowledge what God has been teaching him: “I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you. You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?'; It is I — and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me” (Job 42:2–3).
Job is an Old Testament example of what God says in the New Testament about how he can use adversity and suffering: “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” (Romans 8:28). Job didn';t deserve to suffer, but God used that suffering for his own good.
Finally, God has taken Job where He wanted His servant to go. And while Job may still not understand the reasons or the purposes for his suffering, he knows and understands God as he hadn';t before. Job can only respond: “I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes. I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance” (Job 42:5–6).
Job has learned what God wanted him to learn through his suffering. And because of that, he is a blessed man. In addition to even greater wisdom, Job was given back the fortune he had lost — twice over! (Job 42:10). Job lived 140 years after his afflictions before dying as an old man who had lived a good life (Job 42:17).
Study Questions
What do you think your prayers would sound like if you were angry and frustrated — maybe even at God Himself — at your own misfortune or suffering?
Do you believe it is ever right or appropriate to voice objections over your life situation to God?
