Sermon Central
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Suffering With God
Contributed by Robbie Parsons on Oct 3, 2006 (message contributor)
Summary: In the middle of intense suffering, Job proclaims that God knows and takes notice of our suffering. He also tells us that God is in control of the suffering. Lastly, we will see that God rewards endurance.
Job has gone through some tough times. In Job, we see him enduring all four major forms of suffering that humankind faces. He faces the loss of income and security, the loss of valued possessions, the loss of loved ones and the loss of health. Either one would be enough do deal with, but Job faces all four in a matter of hours or a few short days.
While in the midst of his life-changing circumstances, three of his colleagues come to comfort him. When they find him, they are so struck with what they see, that they mourn with him in complete silence for seven days. They would have done well to stay quiet. We read several chapters of their spewing of man-made philosophies.
But in chapter 23, we read perhaps one of the greatest highlights of this book as Job proclaims that God is just and righteous, and that he is awed and respectful of His glory. He also lets us peek inside what it means to suffer with God. He tells us that God knows and takes notice of our suffering. He also tells us that God is in control of the suffering. Lastly, we will see that God rewards endurance.
GOD KNOWS
BUT HE KNOWS THE WAY I TAKE...
FIRST, GOD KNOWS EVERYTHING
SECOND, GOD KNOWS ME.
THIRD, HE KNOWS I AM SUFFERING.
Then He saw them straining at rowing… John 6:45
GOD IS IN CONTROL
WHEN HE HAS TRIED ME…
FIRST, GOD IS IN CONTROL OF EVERYTHING
Acts 17:26—God is in control of all events of our life.
Job 1:11 and 2:6—God has control over Satan.
Psalm 135:6—God controls all things according to His will.
Job 38:8-11-God controls all functions of the universe.
SECOND, GOD IS IN CONTROL OF THE TRIAL
He performs what is appointed for me… Job 23:14
The word appointed means:
Prescribed task
Action prescribed to someone
Prescribed limit or boundary
God has prepared this trial just for me, but, MORE IMPORTANTLY, He has prepared me just for this trial.
GOD REWARDS ENDURANCE
I SHALL COME FORTH AS GOLD…
Job is not commended for patience, wisdom, or great, unwavering faith. He is simply a hero of endurance. Endurance simply means sticking to it.
Salvation is a free gift, but rewards are earned based on quality service
Rewards will come when we willingly follow God’s way.
God’s grace is greater than our grief.
God’s power is greater than our pain.
God’s presence is greater than our tragedy.
Rev. Otis Moss
