One of the clearest portrayals of unjust suffering found in the Bible is the story of God’s servant Job. Job had everything this world could possibly offer: a close walk with God, good health, financial success, a wife, ten kids and three close friends. And in one day, he lost it all. His children died. His possessions were stolen. He was struck with a demonically induced, painful and disfiguring disease. His wife told him to curse God. And his friends made sure that Job knew it was all his fault. Yet through all the pain and loss that Job experienced, he remained committed to God and endured the hardship. In the end, the Lord restored Job’s losses and gave him twice as much as he had before. James summarizes the lessons from Job’s story in his epistle by saying, “Indeed we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord – that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.” (James 5:11) James provides two very important keys for anyone going through a trial. The first is to persevere. We don’t lose until we give up. (Galatians 6:9) Secondly, we must trust that somehow and in some way, God is wise and strong enough to make something good out of life’s worse tragedies. The apostle Paul put it this way, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.” (Romans 8:28-29) Many Christians can quote Romans 8:28 and will readily agree that God is working everything out for their good. However, scripture promises that God works everything together for His good and purposes. Part of God’s good plan is for his children to mature and develop Christ-like character. The ultimate good is not necessarily our own personal happiness, but instead our own individual holiness. We are called to be conformed to the image of Christ. Job requested that God would give him a one-on-one talk to discuss his calamity. When his prayer was answered, Job’s pain, suffering and loss diminished in the sight and sound of His Maker. The last recorded words of Job tell of this transformation. “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, But now my eye sees You. Therefore I abhor myself, And repent in dust and ashes.” (Job 42:5,6) God did indeed restore Job’s health, wealth and family. More importantly, God restored and transformed Job’s heart using his calamity to mature him into an even more humble and reverent man. Christian Growth Network