For a worldview writing assignment, I wrote a "letter to Job", giving some comfort after my study of affliction and suffering. Of course, because the Job of the Bible is dead, I can't actually give it to him, but it was a good practice for how to respond to someone in the midst of suffering. Here's what I wrote (with some revising help from mom) :) :
Dear Job,
I have heard that you are experiencing all kinds of difficulties and consequently, are being “comforted” by your friends. I too, would like to share some things with you that will hopefully encourage you. I see in your life a theology of why we suffer and what our response to suffering should be. Also, I see you living out the true source of our hope and what we should do with that hope.
The question “why am I suffering?” is a common thought. Many believers long to be guaranteed that because God is good, they will never experience any pain, any suffering. On the contrary, the reason this cannot happen is because we live in a fallen world. As a result of Adam and Eve’s sin, all people will experience some form of suffering. For believers, suffering is sometimes God’s chastisement for unrepented sin. Nevertheless, as you have experienced, we are also afflicted because of Satan. However, as you also know, everything must pass through the hand of our Sovereign God.
As believers, we know we will suffer at some time on this earth. 1 Peter 4:12-13 states, “Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed.” Satan, who desires to underplay God’s name, afflicts numerous believers, confident that they will curse God or turn their backs on Him. Continually, Satan is proved a liar as believers choose not to do such a thing, but instead trust God in the midst of suffering and affliction. Scripture articulates that we will experience affliction, but it is not the end. Unlike unbelievers, we can trust a loving God and have hope. Ultimately, whether our life here is full of suffering or not, we understand that when we are in God’s presence after death, there will not be any pain or sorrow.
Once we have confirmed that the reason we are suffering is not because of sin, but instead the affliction of Satan, our response should be to completely trust God. Uncomplainingly, we are to be “patient in affliction” (Romans 12:12) and to “rejoice in our sufferings” (Romans 5:3). Thankfully, we can ensure that God is working godly character into our lives and accomplishing His purposes in the midst of persecution and affliction. He is using us to bring glory to Him and be living lights to the world. Persevering, we should ask God to give us the strength to defeat Satan’s attacks and walk by faith.
Finally, in the midst of affliction, believers should be filled with overwhelming hope for their future. We should also be able to give the reason for the hope that we have. (1 Peter 3:15) Our hearts should overflow in gratitude that God would choose to develop character in us, and we should turn to Him for help and comfort during trials. Trials will only be for a short while compared to eternity in heaven. Thank you for being a living example of how to respond to suffering and continuing to put your hope in our Sovereign, Almighty God.
Sincerely,
Allison
