Today, in our devotion, we turn to one of the earliest books in the Bible, the book of Job. A book that directly addresses the universal theme of human suffering and evil. In a world grappling with questions of God’s existence in the face of pain and suffering, we find in Job an encouraging perspective.
The question of suffering and evil has always occupied believers and unbelievers alike. How can an all-good, all-powerful, and all-loving God exist when evil exists in the world? This stumbling block remains a challenge for many. Yet, early in the Holy Scriptures, in the beginnings of the book of Job, God provides insight into this theme.
It is fascinating to learn that, according to Jewish tradition and the teachings of Ellen White, Moses wrote the book of Job in the solitude of the Midianite desert. During this time of preparation, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he not only wrote the first book of Genesis but also the book of Job. God knew the questions that suffering would raise and thus presented us from the beginning with a story that addresses the pain and suffering of humanity.
The Bible teaches us in Matthew 6:34; John 16:33; Daniel 12:1; and Matthew 24:7 that evil is a reality in our world. Scripture not only tells us that God is all-knowing, all-powerful, and all-loving but also that evil exists. However, evil is not an excuse not to believe in God. Job himself, despite all his suffering, did not question the existence of God but sought the why.
We all have questions about the evil we see in the world. But how can we still trust in God’s goodness? The story of Job teaches us that amidst suffering and questions, we can trust that God is there, that He knows our pains, and that in the end, all will be made well.
Let us pray together in this understanding and thank God for the wisdom given to us in His Word.
Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/god-and-human-suffering-trust-amidst-evil-the-earliest-of-books/
