Job 33:29-30 “God does all these things to a man– twice, even three times–to turn back his soul from the pit, that the light of life may shine on him.

Elihu is a wild card in the narrative of Job. He is not one of the three friends of Job, and is apparently younger than they and Job, and he is not included in God’s strict words about the three friends. (Job 42:7-9) He also says some really good stuff! We had a member here for a while who was very prophetic, and he was convinced that Elihu was a manifestation of Christ. I’m not sure about that, but it doesn’t seem out of the question. In any case, these two verses speak directly to the whole problem of human suffering. The issue is one that has troubled mankind ever since the Garden of Eden faded from memo­ry, and this is a simple, direct answer. God allows suffering in our lives to turn our thoughts, our hearts, to Him. When we descend into a “pity party” we are running from the good that God always intends for us. We’ve got to remember that God is never the source of evil, and He always wants the very best for us. When His own Son came and took our human form, He suffered to the ultimate degree, both physically and emotionally. After all, the very word, excruciating, means “analogous to being nailed to a cross.” That’s why Jesus so famously said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) And that was just before His arrest and crucifixion! Jesus’ suffering was in no way the result of His sin, because He had none, so we are not always to assume that our suffering is our own fault. However, the possibility is very much there! That’s why, when we suffer, our question isn’t to be, “Why me?” but rather, “What do You want me to learn from this?” God wants us to be “without spot or wrinkle” (Ephesians 5:27) when we stand before Him. Of course, the ultimate answer to that is putting on the righteousness of Christ, but there are a lot of other ways He works on us as well, and it’s much easier if we don’t “kick against the goads.” (Acts 26:14) I have been reminded just recently that older pastors in China have been concerned for younger believers who haven’t experienced the persecution they have, because persecution strengthens faith and commitment! I’ve read of similar things being expressed by a pastor in Sudan about American Christians! We are indeed to be grateful for all that God allows us to experience, whether it feels good or not, knowing that God is indeed love, (1 John 4:8) and His plans for us are good. (Jeremiah 29:11)

I feel like I have experienced very little real suffering, particularly compared to what I know my brothers and sisters in Christ are going through in other parts of the world, and even to my wife’s physical issues. It was almost a relief when I broke my wrist just over a year ago! My own stupidity and presumption were certainly involved in the fall that produced that, so I knew well that I had nothing to complain about. In two weeks I’ll be having a biopsy for another potential basal cell carcinoma, but that feels like no big deal. Last night in prayer meeting I was taken to task for a failure in pastoral ministry, and in some ways that was more painful than physical issues, but I needed to hear it, and I am grateful. I am certainly in need of more growth and polishing, and I too need not to “kick against the goads.”

Father, thank You for this reminder. Thank You also for the sermon for Sunday! You are incredibly faithful to speak to and through me, and I am very grateful. Help me truly apply everything You say to me, not just give it intellectual assent. May I be Your agent in speaking Your truth to Your people in ways they can receive it, so that together we may be transformed into the likeness of Christ, for Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!