If I'm Suffering, Is God Punishing Me?

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Suffering Because of Cosmic Evil

When we are passed over for promotion or lose a job, when we become chronically ill, when we lose people we love, what then? We face the question, “If God was blessing me during the good times, is he punishing me now?” This is a hugely important question. If God is punishing us, we need to change our ways so he will stop. But if our difficulties are not a punishment from God, then changing our ways would be foolish. It might even oppose what God wants us to do.

The Bible reveals that sometimes our suffering is not a result of our sin. Consider the example of Job. He suffered greatly, losing his substantial wealth and his family. His friends urged him to admit that it was divine punishment because of his sin, but Job resisted, insisting that he had not deserved his sorrow. In the end, the Lord rebuked Job’s friends, revealing that they had not spoken rightly about God when they said God had been punishing Job (Job 42:7-8). In fact, it was Satan who had caused Job’s suffering all along.

We are not told why God allows Satan to torture Job. One harrowing day, nearly everything Job treasures is stolen. The people he loves—including all his children—are murdered or killed in violent storms (Job 1:13-16). But Job neither assumes God is punishing him nor becomes bitter over God’s treatment. Instead he worships God (Job 1:20).

Because Job has experienced prosperity as a blessing from God, he is prepared to suffer adversity without jumping to conclusions. He recognizes the limits of his own understanding. He doesn’t know why God sometimes blesses us with prosperity and sometimes allows us to suffer adversity. He just knows that God is faithful.

Prayer

Lord, I know that sometimes my suffering is caused by forces I don’t now understand. Help me suffer adversity without jumping to the conclusion that it is a punishment. Instead, lead me to worship and trust you always. Amen.

Further Exploration

For further exploration, click to read the Theology of Work Bible Commentary on Job 1 .

Scripture

Job 1:13-22

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About this Plan

Does suffering ever cause you to wonder if God is punishing you? Through study of God's word, reflection and prayer, let this 4-day plan help you draw closer to God in difficult times.

Image by PR Image Factory / Shutterstock.com. We would like to thank the Theology of Work Project for providing this plan. For more information, please visit: www.theologyofwork.org/devotions

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