God Deserves the Benefit of the Doubt ~ Bob Coy

"Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?" Job 38:4 (NKJV)

The Book of Job is one of a kind. In Chapter 1, the writer takes us to the highest heights of heaven. Then, in Chapter 2, he dropkicks us into the deepest depths of despair and discouragement this cruel world has to offer.

And it's in this valley of loss, suffering, and confusion that the bulk of this book takes place. From Chapters 3-37, we're trying to reconcile what we know about God (His goodness and mercy) with what happens here on earth (pain and suffering). In essence, the body of the book is one great Why?

Then, in Chapter 38, God finally responds to Job. But interestingly enough, He doesn't show up with answers. Not at all. In fact, God begins to ask Job questions! Questions that Job has no absolutely no answer for. "Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?" "Uh...nowhere."

What's God point in doing this? He's showing Job that when it comes to this world and everything that goes on in it, there's a whole lot that he doesn't understand or ever will. God is reminding Job of how little he is, and as tempting as it is to question God's character, it's based on his own limited understanding. Despite his suffering, Job just isn't qualified to critique or evaluate his situation.

Only God knows everything, therefore only God is able to understand why things go down the way they do in life. Like Job, we need to trust that He's got a purpose in allowing what happens to happen. Ultimately, it's not about getting the "whys" answered but giving God the benefit of the doubt. That's what real faith looks like, and it's the one thing that will get us through life's seasons of suffering and uncertainty.

Discuss with your group what lessons can be learned in a season of suffering. Share something God has taught you through a trial or tribulation.

Dig into Job 38. Why does God present these questions to Job? Which of all these questions speaks loudest to you personally? How does this chapter convict you of your own Job-like thinking?

Decide as a group to pray for someone who has lost a loved one and may doubt God’s plan, purpose, and care. Ask the Lord to heal that empty place in his or her heart.