“And the Lord restored the fortunes of Job” (Job 42:10)
“And Job died, an old man, and full of days.” (Job 42:17)
Job’s suffering was long and deep. Many chapters are filled with conversations between him and his friends. Job’s prayers, questions, and accusations against God are also recorded. There are only a few glimmers of hope in the entire book. Reading this, one could easily lose heart in the face of so much adversity, depression, and existential distress.
And yet Job’s situation was not hopeless. Ultimately, Job encountered God, who showed him His omnipotence. Job did not receive answers to his questions as to why he had to suffer. But he got to know God in a new, profound way that silenced his questions.
When Job’s inner crisis was resolved and his relationship with God was back on track, his outward prosperity was also restored. “The Lord restored the fortunes of Job,” we read in the last chapter. (Job 42:10) He was blessed even more than before and lived another 140 years until he died, full of days.
So, God did not give Job what he asked for: a clear answer to the “why” of his suffering. Nor did He grant Job’s wish to die. But He did give this broken man exactly what he needed in his seemingly hopeless situation. Job felt heard by God, which was a great comfort.
Do you believe that God can still intervene in broken lives? In what area of your life do you long for His intervention? And in what area have you already experienced this?