Where does one find hope? When our situation is improving we may see glimmers of hope, but what enables us to exhibit hope when it appears that all is lost. Job faced devastating circumstances as he lost his family, his prosperity, and even his health. Despite his various calamities, he maintained an unshakable confidence in God:

Though He slay me, I will hope in Him. Nevertheless I will argue my ways before Him. (Job 13:15)

How could Job make that solemn declaration after the tidal wave of devastation that he had experienced? Job was confident of his intimate relationship with God. Job’s declaration was the answer to Satan’s query to God about Job’s motives:

Then Satan answered the LORD, “Does Job fear God for nothing? (Job 1:9)

Job proved Satan wrong as he revealed that his love and commitment to God was not dependent upon God’s blessings, but it was an unconditional and abiding love. Even if God were to kill him, Job would still maintain his trust in God’s love. Job realized that nothing could separate him from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39). Do you realize God’s love for you, especially when you’re experiencing intense suffering?

The word translated hope in many of the English versions is a root word that means to wait and, by implication, conveys the idea of being patient and demonstrating hope.

This was the word used by the Psalmist, in his comforting refrain, “Hope in God for I shall again praise Him” (Psalm 42:5, 11; 43:5). This concept not only provides relief from our present sufferings, but in an eschatological sense, hope looks forward to our ultimate salvation and an end to all of our suffering. The Apostle James recalled the patient endurance of Job:

We count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful. (James 5:11)

Job had a deep intimacy with God so he was willing to argue his case before Him. Job knew that God could handle his hurt, pain, and complaints. We may not know the reason why we suffer, but we do know that God is good and that he does good:

You are good and do good; teach me Your statutes. (Psalm 119:68)

The Psalmist’s perspective teaches us that when we encounter suffering the question we should ask God is not, “Why?” but “What are You teaching me?” We will encounter situations that we do not understand. We must remember that God knows and that He cares for us. Regardless of our circumstances we are to maintain our hope and wait upon Him.

We have a choice – we must realize that our troubles will either make us or break us. The times in which you face your greatest struggles are when you must tenaciously cling to God’s love and faithfulness.

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark

Professor of Discipleship, Columbia International University

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