Bible Study & Devotional 233
written by: Torrie Slaughter
Guiding Scripture: Job 1:1 ‘In the land of Uz there lived a man whose name was Job. This man was blameless and upright; he feared God and shunned evil.’
🔴An Ideal Person
If this is your first time reading the book of Job, I would like to offer a few tips to help you follow this incredible story of love, evil, pain, and restoration. The Book of Job doesn’t have a specific historical date; the author does not give many clues about when it took place. However, I believe that was intentional. Except for a few things, we could easily place ourselves within the narrative. But don’t do that just yet. (I encourage you to study the Book of Job from his perspective before walking in his shoes.)
While you draw strength from Job’s blameless, upright character, we can think about how we can seek God more.
Bad Things (Job 1:2-6)
As we begin reading through the conversations between God and Satan, we must notice our responsibility. When our lives are turned upside down, can we remain faithful? Is God our source of strength? Are we willing to count it all joy when we face trials of various kinds? (James 1:2)
Keep in mind; God asked Satan if he considered His servant Job (Job 2:3). That should be an encouragement to us in our temporary suffering. When unexplainable destruction or painful circumstances arise, we might blame God. But, Job was such a man whose life was a model to his family, community, and friends. Yet, no one understood why Job endured extreme agony.
Job’s story begs us to ask: Why does God allow bad things to happen to good people?
Providential Care
If we can take any solace, I believe it comes from Psalm 37:18 ‘The blameless spend their days under the Lord’s care, and their inheritance will endure forever.’
No matter where you are or what you are experiencing, you can trust that God sees you and He cares. Do not grow weary of doing what is good. (2 Thessalonians 3:13)
🔴 The Bible In A Year Daily Reading Plan
Job 1:1-3:26, 1 Corinthians 14:1-17, Psalm 37:12-29, Proverbs 21:25-26
This devotional was written by Torrie Slaughter the founder of Our Given Purpose® for A Daily Purpose Bible Study & Devotional. Want to hear more? Tune in on Mondays and listen to Our Given Purpose the Podcast and on Fridays to Talking on Purpose with Torrie the Podcast & Internet Show. Torrie also hosts a YouTube channel of the same name.
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