Read: Job 21-22
I’m back! I can’t say I’m better than ever … but I’m back. Thank you for being patient with me, and I hope you were able to get something out of the readings the last few days. I will go back and update those days here soon if you ever feel like you want to go back and read them.
Today we continue reading the book of Job, where Job is still conversing with his friends who still don’t seem to be very friendly or supportive. In chapter 21, Job challenges the idea that the wicked are always punished and the righteous are always upheld. He points out that the wicked can live without serving God, having fun, making money, living lavishly, and at the end of the day, their bodies still return to the ground just like anyone else. Meanwhile, someone who is suffering can live a really hard life and still end up the same way physically. It raises that hard truth that how life looks on the outside doesn’t always reflect righteousness or wickedness in the way that people assume.
“Why do the wicked live on, growing old and increasing in power?” -Job 21:7
In chapter 22, Eliphaz comes back in and calls Job a sinner, accusing him of doing something to deserve the punishment from God. Job really needs to get friends that believe him! Eliphaz shows a misunderstanding of God’s justice; he speaks as if God is distant and only responds based on human behavior, assuming Job’s suffering must be the result of sin. He tells Job to repent, but he fails to recognize that suffering is not always a direct punishment for wrongdoing.
“Submit to God and be at peace with Him; in this way prosperity will come to you.” –Job 22:21
This made me think about raising my children and teaching them what is right and wrong through the Bible. It’s something that I’m really trying to be intentional about, even now with my toddler. At the same time though, I know that just because we teach them truth doesn’t mean life will always go smoothly. Hard things still happen, and those things aren’t always from God. We live in a world where sin exists, and it can cause real pain. Free will plays a role in that too. It’s not always easy to explain that to your children, but it is important so that they understand both who God is and the reality of the world around them. Even when life feels unfair or doesn’t make sense, we can trust that God is still good and still in control. Yes, even when we don’t fully understand what’s happening.
“The Lord is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all he does.” -Psalm 145:17
Discussion Question
- Have you ever struggled with seeing others be successful who don’t seem to follow God (obviously we never know one’s true heart though)? How did that affect your faith?
- How can you balance teaching about God’s goodness while also being honest about hardship and suffering?
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A Note from the Author
Hello everyone,
I wanted to take a moment to share a bit about the Bible verse studies, devotionals, and prayers that I put together. While I strive to offer meaningful insights and reflections, it’s important to clarify that I am not a trained or licensed biblical professional. My goal is not to provide expert theological advice but to share my personal knowledge, beliefs, and experiences as I read and reflect on the Holy Bible.
The insights I offer come from my own understanding and spiritual journey. I approach these reflections with the intention of sharing what personally resonates with me, what I’ve learned through my own study of Scripture, and what the Holy Spirit is sharing through me. I hope these thoughts are helpful and encouraging, but they are based on my personal perspective rather than formal theological training.
This specific Bible study is based off the book A Beautiful Year in the Bible The 52-Week Bible Study for Women by a series of wonderful authors Copyrighted by Alabaster Creative Inc. I do not own the rights to this book and am not claiming to. I am using the book to create my own version of the Bible in 365 days and continue to direct God’s word towards women, more specifically mothers.
Thank you for your understanding and for joining me in this journey of faith and reflection.
Blessings,
Maria Wilcoxon
*The header image is not mine and was taken from Pinterest
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