At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said:

“Naked I came from my mother’s womb,
    and naked I will depart.
The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away;
may the name of the Lord be praised.”

Job 1:20-21

It’s no secret why the story of Job is so popular. Many of us can relate to the tragedy that befell him, even if it’s not to the same degree. And it’s always easier to live with tragedy when you hear about others who have suffered. How Job withstood it is an example for us all.

Job lost almost everything. His children and his property. His health. But his life was saved, as was his heart for God. Satan would never be able to take those. In fact, even in the midst of his tragedy, he praised God. What an example to us!

Job was a good man, devoted to God. He certainly did not deserve to suffer like this.  In his introduction to the book of Job in The Message, Eugene Peterson’s describes Job’s response in this way: “He protested mightily. He refused to be a defeated victim.” Have you ever cried out to God, unable to stop because the pain is so bad? Not willing to give in to the evil that attacked you?

Job, just like us, must have asked, Why? Why Lord? Why me?

But Job still had God and he did what he had always done. He worshiped him. How do you respond when you go through hard times? Although you cry out in pain, will you continue to trust and praise God?

With God’s help, Job eventually recovered. He received a new lease on life. The Bible says:

The Lord blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the former part. He had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, a thousand yoke of oxen and a thousand donkeys.  And he also had seven sons and three daughters. (Job 42:12-13)

Marja