All who are godly do suffer.

Godly people do suffer, sometimes in extreme ways. If we don’t believe that, it can lead to unbiblical assumptions, doctrine, and applications. It is incorrect to assume that all suffering is punishment for sin, or that God owes us prosperity if we obey. We can correct this thinking by getting to know God’s character.

Hebrews 11:32-40 show us that faith keeps walking forward even despite trials. Faithful people will endure trial and difficulty. Job was satisfied by God Himself. When there is no explanation for suffering, God gives promises (Philippians 3:10-11). God's person and character are the deepest source of comfort. Also don't remove the function of the church from your personal relationship with God.

Job's Godliness

When suffering is appointed by the heart of our unchanging Creator, a godly person is one prepared for suffering. Job 1:1 gives 4 descriptions of what it means to be godly. "Blameless" does not mean he was sinless but that he had integrity. (See James 5.) "Upright" means living in line with the character of God. He “feared God,” meaning that the wonder of who God is affected the way he lived. Job “turned away from evil”; he recoiled from sin because he knew the true character of God and of human fallenness. He was known for his integrity; he did the right thing when no one was looking.

We pursue holiness because it is God's character.

Job's friends claimed Job was suffering as discipline or punishment for sin. To a godly person with a clear conscience, this accusation is defeating, demoralizing, and damaging.

When we see godly people encountering suffering, we must not assume that suffering is punishment or discipline for sin. Always assume first that they are Spirit-filled and walking with God. Be cautious when you have the urge to micro-manage a person's flaws when they are known for being godly. Instead, help them continue to know God as they walk through suffering.

Application Points

• Godly people do suffer, sometimes in extreme ways. If we don’t believe that, it can lead to unbiblical assumptions, doctrine, and applications. What are some examples? What can correct these?
• Job 1:1 gives 4 descriptions of what it means to be godly. What are they, and what do each of them mean? Does this mean that Job was without sin?
• God is interested in all we are and do. Do you live with that awareness?
• How can this verse teach us to comfort godly people who encounter suffering? What should we say or not say?

Tools for Further Study

Cross References to Explore

• Philippians 2:12, 1 Peter 1:13-17 – Fear of God affects our life.
• Acts 5:1-11 – When Ananias and Sapphira ceased to fear God, their consequences caused others to fear God.
• Philippians 1:9-11 – Aspects of holiness to pursue.
• 1 Thessalonians 3:12 – Increase in love.

A Hymn to Encourage: "God of the Ages" by Margaret Clarkson

God of the ages, history's Maker,
planning our pathway, holding us fast,
shaping in mercy all that concerns us:
Father, we praise you, Lord of the past!

God of this morning, gladly your children
worship before you, trustingly bow;
teach us to know you always among us,
quietly sovereign -- Lord of our now.

God of tomorrow, strong Overcomer,
princes of darkness own your command:
what, then, can harm us? We are your people,
now and forever kept by your hand.

Lord of past ages, Lord of this morning,
Lord of the future, help us, we pray:
teach us to trust you, love you, obey you,
crown you each moment Lord of today!

^{Words © 1982, 1987 Hope Publishing Company, 380 S Main Pl, Carol Stream, IL 60188}

Quote to Ponder

Religion not rooted in objective self-revelation is no better than a narcotic that alters one's perception of reality.