16.The Trial of Job: The Meaning of Suffering

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故事摘要

Job, a righteous and wealthy man, lived a life devoted to God. Satan challenged God, claiming Job’s faith was conditional, based only on blessings. God, confident in Job’s integrity, allowed Satan to test him, sparing his life.

Job swiftly lost everything: his possessions, servants, and all ten children. Yet, amidst profound grief, he declared, “The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised,” never blaming God. Satan then afflicted him with painful sores. His wife urged him to curse God, but Job responded, “Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?”

Three friends arrived, accusing Job of hidden sin as the cause of his suffering. Job fiercely defended his innocence, grappling with his pain but maintaining his faith, though he longed for God’s explanation.

God finally spoke from a whirlwind, not explaining why Job suffered, but revealing His majestic power and inscrutable wisdom. Humbled, Job repented for questioning. God then rebuked Job’s friends and restored Job’s health, wealth, and family, blessing him doubly.

The story of Job profoundly teaches that suffering is not always punishment for sin. It can be a test of unwavering faith, a process of refinement, or part of God’s mysterious, sovereign plan. True faith endures even without clear answers, trusting in God’s ultimate goodness and wisdom.

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