Sometimes life is easy and fun. Other times, it is heartbreaking. In those difficult times, we can doubt God, His goodness, and His power. Sometimes we feel as if God has turned His back on us. How could a good God allow such terrible things to happen? This week, let’s discuss how suffering and a good God are not mutually exclusive.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
1. What is the worst sting, sore, or bite you can remember? Why was that particular one so painful, itchy, or irritating?
2. Read Job 1:1, 6-12, 2-22. What do we know about Job from God’s Word? Where does this conversation take place? Who brings up Job’s name first? Have you ever heard the phrase “hedge of protection” before? Why did God give permission for the testing of Job? How did Job do in this test? How would you have handled it?
3. Adjust your expectations. Read Job 2:5-10. Satan returns to God’s presence, complaining that material loss is not the real test. What does he suggest will change Job’s attitude? What then happens to Job? How do he and his wife respond differently? How does this passage teach you to also “Adjust your expectations”?
4. Seek God instead of speaking for God. Read Job 42:7-9. Most of Job is the musings and philosophy of suffering by his friends. Sometimes Job sounds almost blasphemous by questioning God. And sometimes his friends sound godlier. But what does God say about all their arguments and speeches? Has there been a time when you made the same mistake or received words of “comfort” that were not in line with God’s viewpoint? Why do you think it is important that Job prays for them? Amid tragedy, we can lean into God or pull away from Him. What are some ways you can draw close to Him? What will happen when we seek Him?
5. God won’t waste a hurt. Read Psalm 44: 17-18, John 9:1-3, Matthew 27:46, and John 16:33. What do you see in these passages? What is the cause of suffering? What is not the cause? How can God use the trials and hurts of your life?
Deeper
6. Discuss these verses on suffering. What are the causes of suffering in each? Is it found in the verse(s)? What is the benefit of the trial in each? Do you know from this passage? What can you learn and apply to your life, troubles, and attitudes?
a. Luke 13:1-5:
b. 1 Peter 5:10:
c. 2 Corinthians 12:7–10:
d. Job 13:15: