This is one of those questions that nearly all of us have asked at one time or another. And just as we think we understand, a new circumstance occurs and we ask this question all over again: Why does God allow such suffering?

This is a tough question but Bridget Gazlay takes on the challenge with a beautifully written 3-part article that dives into some of those unrelenting emotions and how to have a faith-based response.

I hope you will share your own thoughts in the comments below each article. Your own experiences, questions, doubts, and lessons you’ve learned are as vital to us as the article itself. We love to see you share with one another and encourage each other. Lisa

Can We Believe in a God Who Allows Suffering?

Part 1 of 3: Reflections On Job

By Bridget Gazlay

“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Hebrews 11:6)

I was reading in the book of Job recently and I was struck by how similar Job’s suffering is to many people’s suffering today. Job was a blameless and righteous man who stayed away from evil and did what was right before God. His righteousness did not keep trials from coming his way though. Just the opposite happened.

God allowed Job to suffer. . . even though it hurt Him to do so

One day God allowed Satan to torment Job. Satan started by killing all his oxen, sheep, and camels–which were incredibly important in that day. Then the most horrible tragedy occurred–all seven sons and three daughters were killed.

At that point, “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.’ In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.” (Job 1:20-22)

In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing

What??!! Job worshiped and praised the Lord, even when all his livestock and children were killed? I am positive I would not have reacted in that way. But it got me thinking about why Job didn’t blame God.

What made Job give God glory and honor?

First, Job was a God-fearing and righteous man. The only way a person can become righteous is from knowing the Lord as their Savior. Job had an intimate relationship with God and he recognized that this evil was not from God but from Satan.

However, Job also recognized that God allowed this hardship for some reason. Job believed that God’s will was good, pleasing, and perfect (Romans 12:2). Job believed that God would justify him in the end and that God would work in him “according to his good purpose” (Philippians 2:13).

Job’s pain and suffering didn’t end there though. After worshipping the Lord, God allowed him to be physically tormented with painful sores over is entire body. He couldn’t sit or stand to relieve his pain.

Even Job’s wife, who was the only remaining member of his family, told Job to “Curse God and die!” (Job 2:9b) Job answered her by saying, “Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” (Job 2:10) Even Job’s three friends who came to comfort and console him ended up doing the very opposite of that. They figured Job must have done something to deserve God’s wrath.

But Job knew he was innocent and blameless and that God must have His reasons for allowing all the pain and suffering.

Tomorrow’s article: Can We Believe in a God Who Allows Suffering? Part 2 of 3: When We Question God

Bridget Gazlay resides in the beautiful West Michigan. She struggles with Fibromyalgia, Endometriosis, IBS, arthritis and migraines. She works full time but writes and designs fabric cards as she is able. Bridget’s prayer is for readers who come across her writing or fabric cards to see that she allows, “God’s creation to be my inspiration.” You can reach Bridget at: quiltforhim@yahoo.com . Check out her new blog: www.pfccreations.com/blog.