Walk Thru the Bible (Quiet Walk)

If God is all good and all powerful, then why do the righteous suffer? We learn from Job that we can struggle without sinning.

Job 1

After meeting with God, Satan receives permission to test Job.

INSIGHT

If God is all good and all powerful, then why do the righteous suffer? Throughout the book of Job, questions of the ages arise. Job is a righteous man, and while he does not curse God, he does wonder why these things have happened. These same questions form today in the minds of people who observe or experience suffering. It is not wicked to ask these questions. All people struggle with these questions sooner or later. But we learn from Job that we can struggle without sinning.

PRAYER

God is trustworthy and kind. Because we know that He loves us with an everlasting love, we can praise Him:

I have called upon You, for You will hear me, O God;
Incline Your ear to me, and hear my speech.
Show Your marvelous loving-kindness by Your right hand,
O You who save those who trust in You
From those who rise up against them.
Keep me as the apple of Your eye;
Hide me under the shadow of Your wings,
From the wicked who oppress me,
From my deadly enemies who surround me (Psalm 17:6-9).

Pause for praise and thanksgiving.

As you seek to keep your life free from sin, pray this confession to the Lord:

The pangs of death surrounded me,
And the floods of ungodliness made me afraid.
The sorrows of Sheol surrounded me;
The snares of death confronted me.
In my distress I called upon the Lord,
And cried out to my God;
He heard my voice from His temple,
And my cry came before Him, even to His ears (Psalm 18:4-6).

Now pray this affirmation to the Lord:

He sent from above, He took me;
He drew me out of many waters.
He delivered me from my strong enemy,
From those who hated me,
For they were too strong for me.
They confronted me in the day of my calamity,
But the Lord was my support (Psalm 18:16-18).

As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:

• Health and strength
• Guidance for local political leaders
• Your pastor and his family

Offer this closing prayer to the Lord:

The Lord lives!
Blessed be my Rock!
Let the God of my salvation be exalted (Psalm 18:46).