Job and the Benefits of Suffering
(Job crossword puzzles for chapters 34-36 are found at the end of this listing)
Helps one achieve a correct set of values.
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When one is suffering, the things of this world (popularity, prestige, power, prosperity) lose their appeal.
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This helps one to think more of his responsibility to God and the condition of his heart and life.Helps one to be more grateful for God’s blessings and avoid self-pity (Job 42:10).
Helps one not to despair.
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It is helpful to remember that “sometimes the darkest hours precede the brightest” (Job 42:12).
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It is interesting that the majority of the Psalms of Lamentation – which comprise about half of the 150 Psalms – end on a positive note of hope and praise.
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Many times when we get through a trial, we look back thinking “Why was I so anxious when I went through that? Why didn’t I trust in the Lord more? ”
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Often when we get through those valleys of suffering, we can more confidently say along with David the words of the Shepherd Psalm (Psalm 23:4).
Helps to bring about repentance in those who have erred (Job 42:6).
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Look at the example of king Manasseh who lived wickedly for the majority of his life (2 Chronicles 33:10-12).
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Moses instructed that if and when the children of Israel departed from God, the suffering would help to bring them back (Deuteronomy 4:40).
Helps us to have a fuller understanding of God and His Word (Job 42:1-2; Psalm 119:67, 71).
Helps us to be better comforters of others (2 Corinthians 1:3-7)
Helps us reach those heights of spirituality that can only be attained through experiencing suffering (Romans 5:3-5; James 1:2-4).
Helps to remind us that we are merely pilgrims and strangers in this world and that there is something better beyond this life (Job 19:25-26).
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Suffering helps us to long for Him in eternity (Hebrews 11:13; 1 Peter 2:11).
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There is a place where the “wicked cease from troubling” and where “the weary be at rest” (Job 3:17).
Jesus says “Let not your hearts be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” – Jhn 14:1-3
- Adapted from class on Job by Darrell Conley, OABS, 08.
Here are the puzzles for the Book of Job 34-36:
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Interactive version - job_chapter_34 ; printable version - job_chap_34
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Interactive version - job_chapter_35; printable version - job_chap_35
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Interactive version - job_chapter_36 ; printable version - job_chap_36
Published by Michael
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Devotional, Michael Carter
on December 6th, 2008

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