There was once a high school girl who had a “Job” experience. Hateful classmates hacked her social media page. Posing as her, they posted accusatory lies on her Facebook page towards her friends. The result was that most of her friends defriended her. A few even physically assaulted her. Her Mom moved to new school district to protect her, but the harassment continued. She probably would have ended her life if the Lord had not intervened. He was her lifeline.
Thanks to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, I understand that good people, even the Son of God, have suffered in this world. I also know that the Lord is very compassionate.
“Take the prophets, who spoke in the name of the Lord, as an example of suffering and patience. Indeed, we count them blessed who endure. You have heard of the perseverance of Job and seen the end intended by the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and merciful.” [1]
The Lord confronted the men who misunderstood and mischaracterized Job. He told them to ask Job to pray for them. Then, the Lord restored all that Job lost, twice over. [2]
During a dialogue with an audience, Jesus framed the story of good versus evil in the following way: “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” The devil is the thief. Jesus Christ is the way, the truth, and the life. [3]
Thankfully, though Jesus suffered cruel treatment from evil men, He came back from the dead to speak of love and forgiveness. He instructed us His followers to love and forgive as well.
The Lord urges us His sufferers to commit our souls to God. “Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator. [5] In due season, He will turn the tide of battle that is against us. “The God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.” [6]
[1] James 5:10-11
[2] Job 42:8-10
[3] John 10:10, 14:6
[4] Deuteronomy 5:10
[5] 1 Peter 4:19
[6] 1 Peter 5:10
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