Job 1 God loved Job.  He knew Job and testified of Job's character " For there is no one like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, fearing God, and turning away from evil.."  But, God still allowed Job to suffer. 

Job lost everything.  His wealth, his family, and later his health. But, he did not lose his faith. "The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord."

This is a hard book to read. The accusations and arguments of Job's friends.. the painful pleas of Job himself...  These are words that are recorded in Scripture.. which Paul tells Timothy  "All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training.. "  So, what is it that God wants to say through Job's story?

Suffering comes.. but it does not mean that God is not in control.  Peter wrote to remind us of Who God is so that we will live accordingly.  Since all Scripture has this purpose then, we need to learn what Job has to teach us. 

So, the first thing that we can gain from Job is that he grieved.. "Then Job arose, tore his robe and shaved his head and he fell to the ground and worshiped."  Job loved his children. He offered burnt offerings and sacrifices for them in case they had sinned.  His grief was all consuming.  Yet, even in this depth of suffering.. Job worshiped God. 

Father, we have not suffered such depths of grief as Job did.. but, if that day comes, we ask that You would give us the faith to worship in the midst of our grief.  Teach us through Your word today Lord.  Show us Your love and power and grace, that we would see You more clearly and worship You always. We ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.