Where s God When Life Doesn t Make Sense? (Lesson 1 of 4)

Lesson 1 of 4 from Module 6 Where s God When Life Doesn t Make Sense? (Lesson 1 of 4) Scope and Sequence Felt Need: Fear of bad circumstances Doctrine: Job Objective Students will understand that God allows trials in our lives as a means to grow our trust in Him even when we do not understand. Memory Verse Job 2:10 How did Job react when faced with adversity or evil? Worth Repeating: In your trouble, you are never forgotten. THE FELT NEED: Fear of bad circumstances Think about the best day you can remember. When things are going well, we don t usually question what is happening; we all know that not every day can be a good day. We all have had one of those bad days when we might ask questions like, Why me? Do you know a really good person who has suffered? Can you think of a tragedy or bad situation that seems senseless or out of control? What is really frustrating is when we don t even know why the bad things are piling up. THE TRUTH: 1. The character of Job There are several things that stand out about Job, but the greatest is that he was a man of character. A. Job was a man of integrity. Job did things properly and no one could accuse him of being unfair or unjust. B. Job was a man who feared God. Job wasn t terrified or scared of God, but he respected God because of his reverence for God. Page 209

C. Job was a man who turned from evil. Even when a chance to do something wrong or evil came his way, Job actively turned away from it. 2. The attacks of Satan (Job 1:6-22; 2:1-10) It may have been a day like any other day for Job, but in Heaven Satan was attempting to discredit Job s loyalty and righteousness before God by seeking to impact Job right where he lived. A. Loss of possessions Job 1:14 All of Job s possessions and wealth were gone! It didn t seem that it could get any worse! B. Loss of family Job 1:18-19 Imagine the loss of not just one loved one but ten in the same incident. If all that you possessed and enjoyed in life was taken from you, do you have enough trust in God that you would bless the Lord and acknowledge that it was all His anyway? C. Loss of health Job 2:4-5 Job s condition indicates that his body was covered with festering, oozing sores, so severe that he used a piece of pottery to scrape his skin free of the running sores. D. Loss of support Job 2:9-10 Job s wife had endured all she could, apparently, and she seems to just want to end all the suffering of her husband. Remember, the loss of the ten kids and all their possessions impacted her, too. 3. The control of God (Job 1:8-12 & 2:4-6) From Job s perspective, the circumstances of his trial probably seemed completely out of control. Satan is not able to do anything without the expressed permission of God! Satan is completely under God s control; he is never able to work outside of anything that a loving God would allow! Psalm 84:11 12. God is good and God is in control no matter how out of control life may feel. It helps us to rehearse our commitment to God s perfect plan, all the while admitting that we don t always see perfection in what we re going through. 4. The consistency of Job (Job 1:20-22 & 2:9-10) A. The response of Job to Satan s attacks is one of quiet confidence in God. Job did things properly, and no one could accuse him of being unfair or unjust. B. The hurt in Job s heart was compounded by the second attack of Satan. Job refused to say anything against God, even when faced with all these losses in his life. THE CONNECTION: Wrap the lesson up by showing the video Wretched: Joni: Can Anything Good Come from Suffering? The time to determine how we will respond is not when we re in the crisis but now. Usually the first response to a tragic event or suffering is a sense of loss of control. Page 210

The one thing we can be very sure of is that God is in control and that He does know and care about what we are going through. THE DECISION: Remember the good things God has allowed in your life and determine to live pleasing to God, no matter what the circumstances are around you. Definitions Satan: The most common name given to the fallen evil angel Lucifer, which means adversary or accuser. Integrity: To live a life consistent with biblical principles. God s Sovereignty: God s supreme authority and rule over His creation. Checklist Q PowerPoint presentation for this lesson is available Something to show YouTube video Video Queued Wretched: Joni: Can Anything Good Come From Suffering? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9bhknfo-uw (Show is from.16 4:38.) Resources (Nashville, T.. (1992). Holman Bible Handbook (p. 311). Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers. Jamieson, R., Fausset, A. R., & Brown, D. (1997). Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible (Vol. 1, p. 311). Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc. Lange, J. P., Schaff, P., Lewis, T., Zöckler, O., & Evans, L. J. (2008). A commentary on the Holy Scriptures: Job (p. 288). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software. Roy B. Zuck, "Job," in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: Old Testament, ed. John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck (Wheaton, Ill.: Victor Books, 1985), 718. Bible Hub Job Summary by Jay Smith website http://biblehub.com/summary/job/1.htm Sparknotes Bible:The Old Testament website http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/oldtestament/section11.rhtml What Christians Want to Know website http://www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com/job-bible-story-summary-with-lesson/ Addiontal Teacher Resources: During your worship time use Casting Crown s Praise You in the Storm or read/discuss the lyrics to the song found at http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/castingcrowns/praiseyouinthisstorm.html The Felt Need: Fear of bad circumstances Take a minute to think about the best day you can remember. What was it like? (Allow time for the students to answer.) It probably had laughter, friends, feelings of happiness and satisfaction. It may have been a day of celebration and success. Everything was good! Now, think about your worst day. What was it like? (Allow time for the students to answer.) It may have been a day of loss, sorrow, loneliness, with feelings of fear and uncertainty. Definitely not an enjoyable time! Page 211

When things are going well we don t usually question what is happening. We just enjoy the time. In those times we can, and should, be thankful for the opportunity to enjoy them. But we all know that not every day can be a good day. We all have had one of those bad days when we might ask questions like, Why me? or What in the world is going on? It may be that we would make statements like, It s not fair or Nobody cares. At those times we may feel that life has spiraled out of control. We begin to wonder what we can do to regain balance and control. Often things take place that make no sense to us. It is in those situations that we feel helpless. Knowing that there is nothing that we can do to prevent the situation or to make it better just adds to the feeling of helplessness. We may even get to the point of being fearful of the unknown, asking What can I do? Teacher s Note In the following brainstorming and discussion session, be sensitive as this could renew memories or emotions that affect your students. Have you heard of, or do you know a really good person who suffered? (Allow students to answer; comment about this kind of suffering being common, as good people are like everyone else; all kinds of people face trials and suffering.) Can you think of a tragedy or bad situation that seems senseless or out of control? (Answers might include accidents, shootings, bullying, or international events like ISIS, war, famine, etc.) In frustration we could begin to blame the problems on someone or something else. We might even go as far as blaming God. What is really frustrating is when we don t even know why the bad things are piling up. Even when those trials and suffering do show up the one thing you can be sure that in your trouble you are never forgotten. The Book of Job will help us to see that bad things don t always happen to us because we have done something wrong. In fact the opposite may be true! As we begin to read the Book of Job we are introduced to a good man who goes from one of his best days to the worst day in just a few minutes. His suffering is epic, providing the kind of example almost everyone familiar with his story hopes to avoid. It doesn t make any sense at all, until we have a chance to see what is happening behind the scene. The story of Job will help us understand that in your trouble you are never forgotten. The Truth: 1. The character of Job As we start reading the Book of Job, we are immediately introduced to the main character, Job. There are several things that stand out about Job, but the greatest is that he was a man of character. His personal traits are so outstanding that even God takes notice of him. Among his character qualities that made him such a standout are the three found in Job 1:1 and 1:5. Teacher s Note Select a student to read Job 1:1, 5. Instruct the other students to note the words describing Job s character. Have them share after the reading. Page 212

Did you hear the three qualities of Job that the writer used to describe his outstanding character? (Allow about twenty to thirty seconds for students to identify as many of these three as possible. Then transition to the teacher s dialog that follows.) A. Job was a man of integrity. The first thing we notice is that Job was a person of great integrity blameless and upright. You don t hear the word upright used much in our day, but it simply means honorable, or strictly honest. Job did things properly, and no one could accuse him of being unfair or unjust. He was the kind of person you would want to do business with or have as a close friend. A person of integrity is one who does right even when no one is watching. B. Job was a man who feared God. We also find that Job feared God. Job wasn t terrified or scared of God, but he respected God because of his reverence for God. He was in awe of God. He knew God and His power and had a respect for God s authority. Though many in our culture mock God and act as if God is nothing; those who are wise will naturally have respect and reverence for God. In fact, we read much about the fear of the Lord in the Bible, where wisdom is linked with godly fear. C. Job was a man who turned from evil. Job was wise enough to turn away from evil. Even when a chance to do something wrong or evil came his way Job actively turned away from it. But Job s fear of the Lord was the basis for his hatred of evil, just as it is for everyone who truly turns aside from wickedness out of respect for God. 2. The attacks of Satan (Job 1:6-22; 2:1-10) After we are introduced to Job, the curtain is pulled back, so we can see what is taking place behind the scenes. In this section, we see Satan s accusations against Job. Teacher s Note Select two students to dramatically read Job1:6-12, the exchange between God and Satan. You be the narrator, have student #1 be the voice of God, and have student #2 be the voice of Satan. The heavenly scene starts out well but takes a negative turn as Satan makes his appearance before God. We have a front row seat to witness the challenge to Job s faithfulness. From the details of the story it is obvious that Job had great wealth (1:2). It may have been a day like any other day for Job, but in Heaven Satan was attempting to discredit Job s loyalty and righteousness before God by seeking to impact Job right where he lived. In Satan s own words, Of course Job has been a man of integrity, one who loves God and turns away from evil. Just look at what he s been blessed with. Satan s plan involved two primary challenges to Job s motivation. Job would curse God, says Satan, if he suffered: Page 213

A. Loss of possessions Job 1:14-17 (have a student read) The first messenger (1:14-15) informed Job that all of his oxen and donkeys had been stolen and the attending servants killed. While that messenger was telling his story, another messenger arrived (1:16) to tell Job that all his sheep and the servants watching them had been destroyed. Right away another servant arrived (1:17) to tell of a raiding party that stole all of Job s camels and killed all the servants. All of Job s possessions and wealth were gone! It didn t seem that it could get any worse! B. Loss of family Job 1:18-19 (read) While Job was taking in all the bad news another messenger arrived with even more tragic news. While all his sons and daughters and their families were eating together at the oldest brother s house, a strong wind came up and blew down the house, killing all ten of his children! Imagine the loss of not just one loved one but ten in the same incident. Surely, this kind of tragedy would be too much for anybody to bear, right? Grief, sorrow, anger all these emotions would seem to be expected of any of us. We have so much to learn from Job s suffering and the trials God allowed Satan to bring into his life. Just reading through this account causes us to wonder how we would react if we encountered what Job went through. Think about it. You don t own the things you enjoy in this life. They are all God s, and you and I are simply managers of them (read Psalm 24:1). If all that you possessed and enjoyed in life was taken from you, do you have enough trust in God that you would bless the Lord and acknowledge that it was all His anyway? It is likely that we all have too much of the love of the world s possessions in us and too little of Job s integrity and faithfulness. Yes, it s natural to love our family members, and we certainly should. But Job knew that God was to be trusted, regardless of the severity of the trials he saw. How much better that we allow trials to drive us toward God rather than away from Him? In Chapter 2, Satan returns to the scene in God s presence and is again asked by God to consider how upright and faithful Job has been. This time, having just failed in his effort to turn Job against God, Satan takes a different approach. Teacher s Note Use two more students to read the exchange between God and Satan, Job 2:1-6. This attack from Satan is even more personal. He accuses Job of being totally ready to curse God if he suffers: C. Loss of health Job 2:4-5 How many of you have ever heard someone you know say, If you have your health, you have everything? To the many who ve experienced serious health issues, that statement may seem valid. But in reality, nobody is in perfect health very long. From the moment you re born, your body begins to wear down and you begin the long (most of the time) process that ends in death. Hebrews 9:27 tells us that all men die, and then face judgment. So, none of us should expect to escape death. Page 214

But Satan interrupted Job s life with painful boils from the crown of his head to the soles of his feet. In sorrow, misery and great pain Job sits in the ashes. The words used to describe Job s condition indicate that his body was covered with festering, oozing sores, so severe that he used a piece of pottery to scrape his skin free of the running sores. There was no relief for his pain and suffering. D. Loss of support Job 2:9-10 Though Satan didn t necessarily plan out the reaction of Job s wife, her response just added to Job s difficulties. Look at Job 2:9 (read). Here, we see what Job had to endure. Can you imagine going through all that Job is experiencing and having your closest friend, your own spouse, give up on you? Often, it s the support of our friends that keeps us from giving up ourselves when things go badly for us. Job s wife had endured all she could, apparently, and she seems to just want to end all the suffering of her husband. Remember, the loss of the ten kids and all their possessions impacted her, too. Satan s attack on Job resulted in loss of his wife s hope and support of her husband. But Job had an inner strength that just would not let him give up, and it was rooted in his commitment to God s plan and God s goodness. Because we can see behind the curtain we understand much more about Job s story. It is very clear that in the midst of devastating life circumstances he is not forgotten by God. 3. The control of God (Job 1:8-12 & 2:4-6) From Job s perspective the circumstances of his trial probably seemed completely out of control. That is why our view behind the scenes is so vitally important. We see all the details of Job s circumstances, and it helps us to understand. Keep in mind, Job does not see what we see. It is like we are watching a movie, and we see the bad guy making his plan to take out the hero. But don t miss how precise God is with Satan in Job 1:12. God was only willing to allow Satan to go so far in his plan to test Job (read 1:12). Then notice the same thing in Job 2:6; God is very specific in what He would allow. There is a very important lesson for us here. Satan does not just do whatever he wants. If that were the case, he would destroy us all. We are warned about Satan in 1 Peter 5:8 (have a student read). Did you catch the word picture in this passage? Satan is like a lion on the prowl, hunting for someone to devour. There s no chance that you will go through your life without facing challenges and attacks from Satan. But, do not miss this, Satan is not able to do anything without the expressed permission of God! Satan is completely under God s control; he is never able to work outside of anything that a loving God would allow! The next time you are facing a difficult circumstance, remember, God is ALWAYS in control; things are never out of control even though it may feel that way. This is when we must believe the truth of Psalm 84:11 12 (read). God is good and God is in control not matter how out of control life may feel. Page 215

God controls all things, and you can trust him with your future, including the good and the things that may seem to be bad things. It helps us to rehearse our commitment to God s perfect plan, all the while admitting that we don t always see perfection in what we re going through. For example, long before you go through a time of severe testing, it s good to recall the words recorded by Paul the Apostle in Romans 8:28 (Have a student read). That passage doesn t promise that most things work out for good for those who love God. No, the accurate reading is that ALL things work together for good for those who love God. This reinforces that truth that in your trouble you are never forgotten because we know God is working out his master plan. 4. The consistency of Job (Job 1:20-22 & 2:9-10) Job had done nothing wrong, but bad things were happening. What is amazing is Job s reaction. He didn t sin. He didn t blame God. Job s response was to mourn and to worship God. The consistency of Job is amazing! He was not aware of the discussion between God and Satan. He didn t know that his faith in God was being tested by Satan. From Job s perspective there was no understanding why these things had happened; it was beyond his control. We know because we know the background of this account and see how God and Satan recognized Job s qualities. A. The response of Job to Satan s attacks is one of quiet confidence in God. Imagine the loss of not just a loved one but ten in the same incident. Surely, this kind of tragedy would be too much for anybody to bear, right? Grief, sorrow, anger all these emotions would seem to be expected of any of us. But notice how Job responded in verses 20-22 (have a student read). Job wasn t superhuman or robotic in his reaction to this devastating news. Following the culture of his day, Job tore his clothing and shaved his beard and grieved. This was a near-eastern custom that symbolized inner turmoil and shocking disbelief. Unlike most people, though, Job didn t stop with expressions of grief. Instead, he fell to his knees and worshiped God! His trust in Almighty, all-powerful God was so complete that he stated, The Lord gives and the Lord takes away. He then uttered his words of praise to God: Blessed be the name of the Lord (v. 21b). B. The hurt in Job s heart was compounded by the second attack of Satan. Few of us can understand the pain that Job felt. His entire body was covered with painful sores and his heart was hurting. The anguish and suffering was so great that Job s wife encourages him to speak against God and die. Her advice to Job was to curse God and get it over with! (Job 2:9; read) In verse 10, we see his response to the negative view of his wife (have a student read). Job refused to say anything against God, even when faced with all these losses in his life. Though Satan threw everything he could at him, Job passed the test of faithfulness in refusing to sin against Page 216

God. Somehow through all the suffering, Job had an understanding of the truth that in your trouble you are never forgotten. The Connection: Teacher s Note Wrap the lesson up by showing the video Wretched: Joni: Can Anything Good Come from Suffering? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9bhknfo-uw. (Show is from.16 4:38). Once the video is over, drive home the point that we never see the big picture we saw in Job. We never get to see everything going on and what God is doing but we can over time learn as Joni did to trust God. There will probably be times in all our lives when we suffer losses that we would say are not our fault. Lord willing, we ll never be called on to endure the pain and loss that Job suffered through. But whatever the case, the time to determine how we will respond is not when we re in the crisis but now. Are you ready to drive a stake in the ground and make a confident claim on God s sovereign plan and your trust in His plan, whether in good or in bad times? Let s face it; we all like to be in control! Usually the first response to a tragic event or suffering is a sense of loss of control. We can be overwhelmed by the thought that, in a moment, we could lose something or someone we love. Job had lost everything, except his confidence that God was in control. Job was faithful in his suffering. He was not willing to give up on God. It is natural to want to know why bad things are happening, but we don t get to peek behind the curtain like we can with Job. It is very possible that we will never know why some things happen, but we can be sure that God is in control. We learn from Job that sometimes bad things happen to good people. It is exciting to think that God knows us well enough to trust us to succeed through the bad things that may come into our life. The one thing we can be very sure of is that God is in control and that He does know and care about what we are going through. The next time that your day goes from great to gloomy remember in your trouble you are never forgotten. The Decision: Job had decided long before his trials that he would worship God and be faithful to Him. The situations and circumstances didn t cause Job to change his mind. What he experienced in the good times gave him confidence in God in the bad times. There is a saying, Don't doubt in the dark what God has revealed in the light. Remember the good things God has allowed in your life and determine to live pleasing to God, no matter what the circumstances are around you. Decide today that when bad things happen, you will not blame God but rejoice that He trusts you to succeed. We can t change the past, but we can prepare for the events that will come into our life. We can prepare our hearts and minds with Job s words. Commit right now to memorize Job 2:10b about receiving good and evil without sin. Page 217

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