Source/Author: Dr Michael Dalseno

At the beginning of this astonishing story we encounter a man who is prosperous, at peace, blessed, fruitful and righteous (1.1-3). Job is faithful in all his dealings and dedicated in his walk with God (1.4-5). Life is sweet. But all that is about to change ...

“When He has Tried Me, I Shall Come Forth as Gold” (Job 23.10)

Dr Michael Dalseno

At the beginning of this astonishing story we encounter a man who is prosperous, at peace, blessed, fruitful and righteous (1.1-3). Job is faithful in all his dealings and dedicated in his walk with God (1.4-5). Life is sweet. But with everything going so well the inevitable question was bound to be asked – if he is tested, if life suddenly, unexpectedly becomes tough, if he loses most of what he holds so dear, if his world is irretrievably turned upside down, will he still love and serve the Lord? And will he do it with joy, faith, and freedom?

It takes about 40 chapters to answer this question. The prolonged speeches and dialogues between Job and his friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, Zophar and Elihu, grapple with the enduring issues of sin, suffering, salvation, righteousness, the fairness of God, amongst others.

The passionate speeches reflect the conversations many of us have today about the nature of God and the nature of man, and the many questions we have concerning “when,” “why,” “how” and “what if.” We may even feel that God is unjust at times, downright distant, a bit neglectful of our plight, or maybe just a bit forgetful of what we are going through. Some people even blame God, backslide, or quit. Yet how we emerge from life’s trials is crucial in terms of our personal outlook, wellbeing, and relationship with God.

In this Book, all comes out in the wash in the end. Though Eliphaz drew on his vast experiences, Bildad on his lengthy traditions, Zophar on his foolproof assumptions, and the youthful Elihu on his popular ideas, God bursts on the scene in Chapter 38 with a humbling treatise on the greatness of God and the utter dependence of man. All the speakers suddenly go mute, and Job exclaims, “I did not understand,” and finally declares “now … my eyes see Thee” (42.3-5).

Like Job, there are many things we cannot figure out and many issues and events we won’t get answers to. Though we all prefer a blissful life saturated with plenty and prosperity, God will allow times of storm and tempest in order to test our hearts. If we emerge from such times in faith and trust, whilst also retaining a joyful and grateful heart, we too will “come forth as Gold.”