Dear Job

I wrote a letter to Job for a school assignment recently…

Dear Job,

I have heard of the tribulations you have been experiencing, and was moved to write this letter to you. I know that some of your friends have been accusing you of having committed a great sin or considering yourself as great as God. Having considering these accusations, and studied the Bible on the subject of tribulation, I have decided to send you my thoughts on the subject, and hopefully encourage you with them. So here goes.

I think one thing you may not have considered in your reflections is the possibility of the involvement of Satan in your trials. The fallen angel is always looking for some way to bring humans down to Hell with him, and by bringing down all kinds of troubles down on you; he could be hoping to loosen your faith in God. In 1 Peter 5:8, it says, “…your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” Your afflictions could be produced by Satan in his attempts to turn you from God. So don’t let your friends convince you that because terrible things are happening to you it is necessarily because you have sinned and God is punishing you.

But yet don’t get discouraged and think that now you’re in for the long haul, and you just have to survive until Satan or you gives up. The only reason that Satan can bring these things down on you is because God allows it. God sometimes uses trials like you are going through to strengthen and intensify your faith and character. After you have gone through suffering for a while, God will restore you, as stated in 1 Peter 5:10: “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen and establish you.” God has a plan for you, which leads me into the last point I wanted to share with you.

God has planned your life before the beginning of time, and his plan is in your best interest in the long run. Your personal afflictions might also (and I would say most likely will) affect other people around you in some way, whether it is physically, mentally, or spiritually. By seeing you persevering in your faith while experiencing considerable afflictions, someone could be encouraged by your perseverance in your faith. Even people far away could be encouraged by hearing about your limitless faith. Just remember that God has a plan for you that will ultimately be in the best interests for you and others around you.

If you get anything from this letter, I hope it is that just because you are suffering it is not your fault, or because God is angered at you; and that God’s plan will work out. Also that your perseverance amidst afflictions could be influencing your friends and acquaintances, and faith in God’s plan is always the best strategy.

Sincerely,

Will Claybourne

~ by Will Claybourne on January 14, 2009.