“I am not a theologian or a scholar, but I am very aware of the fact that pain is necessary to all of us. In my own life, I think I can honestly say that out of the deepest pain has come the strongest conviction of the presence of God and the love of God” (Elisabeth Elliot).
Job’s great trial in losing his children and health allowed him to experience the presence and love of God. He placed His confidence in God knowing he was not pure. He trusted God to do great things like healing and vindicating him. Job sought the encouragement of friends when he suffered great pain. His last great need was to get considerate feedback and engage in dialogue with friends. Job 4-6 explains the ingredients required to grow through trials.
Eliphaz asked Job if he would be impatient because of being compelled to speak to him. He knew that Job instructed and supported many who stumbled and strengthened the weak. Now Job himself was discouraged because of trouble. Should he not be confident in the fear of God and place hope in his integrity? (Job 4:1-6). Place confidence in the fear of God, not your integrity, during trials.
Consider that God does not destroy the upright. Those who sow evil reap it and come to an end. God gave Eliphaz a vision wondering if anyone can be pure before God. If He charged His angels with error, how can people who live in houses of clay without wisdom not die? (Job 4:7-21). No one is pure before God during trials.
Was there anyone who could answer Job’s concerns?Resentment and anger killed a fool and the simple. People devoured one’s harvest and people sought his wealth. Man is born for trouble as the sparks fly upward. Eliphaz said he would seek God and place Job’s cause before Him because He does great and unsearchable things. He gives rain, exalts the lowly, frustrates the crafty and thwarts the advice of the cunning. God saves the poor from the hand of the mighty to give them hope (Job 5:1-16). Trust God to do great things during trials.
Job should not despise God’s discipline since He would heal him eventually. God would redeem him in famine, protect him from an evil tongue, allow him to endure violence, be confident in many children and have strength in old age (Job 5:17-27). God heals and vindicates His children during trials.
Job wondered if his misery would outweigh the sands of the sea. His words were rash because of the poison and terror of the Almighty’s arrows against him. Job rejoiced that in his great pain he had not denied the Holy One’s words even though he was powerless to deliver himself (Job 6:1-13). People experience great pain during trials.
Job said a despairing man should have kindness from his friends so he would not forsake the fear of the Almighty. His brothers acted deceitfully like brooks that vanished before travelers could drink from them. Job’s friends proved to be no help because they feared the dreadful things he experienced. Job never asked for money or to be delivered from his enemies (Job 6:14-23). People need encouragement from friends during trials.
Job said he would be quiet and listen if Eliphaz taught him where he went wrong. Since Eliphaz was his friend and Job was honest, he asked for consideration to not cast his words aside like wind. Job’s integrity was at stake in believing there was no wickedness in his speech (Job 6:24-30). People need helpful feedback and dialogue with friends during trials.
If you are going through a trial, place your confidence in God. Trust God to do great things like healing and vindicating you during trials. Seek encouragement and helpful feedback as you dialogue with friends during trials.
