Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Studies in Job

My women's Sunday School Class took up their studies again in Job 15 & 16. We had a week off because of our Missions Conference.
In chapter 15 the second cycle begins of Job's friends attempting to bring "comfort" to Job whose suffering continues. Eliphaz concludes wrongly that Job has sinned and his suffering is an indicator of God's judgement. This is no comfort to Job and only compounds the unkind, uncaring and condemning 'comfort' that is coming from his friends.
Chapter 16 finds Job responding that they are miserable comforters, he knows his suffering is from the hand of God and feels broken open by God but will come to the realization that God only is his hope.
Our conversation revolved around how to help and counsel those who are suffering and what NOT to say or do.
"Our afflictions are a platform from which we can comfort others who are afflicted."
"How will you help your friends? How do you want them to comfort you when you're afflicted? What principles, what precepts of life have you gained that will enable you to minister to others.?
(Kay Arthur, Pete DeLacy)

3 comments:

Janel said...

Reminds me of this verse:

2 Corinthians 1:3-5
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. For just as the sufferings of Christ flow over into our lives, so also through Christ our comfort overflows.

Gigi said...

I have learned to listen more, speak less. I have learned that sometimes you just need to let people cry rather than trying to stop the tears. I have learned that many times there are no words, and that it's OK to say just that. I have learned that the people you thought would be your rock are often the first to slip away. I have learned that a hug can speak volumes when words fail. I have learned that the kindness of strangers carries the love of God. And I have learned that I have a Savior who never sleeps, is there when I cry, offering me comfort and hope for tomorrow.

Jody said...

Thank you for sharing Gigi,
I know you speak from experience and are comforting and will continue to comfort those who need a hug, an ear, and arm.