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Lesson OneSuffering Comes With The Freedom To Choose5 Activities1 Assessment
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Lesson TwoSuffering Reveals What Is In Our Hearts5 Activities1 Assessment
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Lesson ThreeSuffering Takes Us To The Edge Of Eternity5 Activities1 Assessment
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Lesson FourGod Can Turn Suffering Around For Our Good5 Activities1 Assessment
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Lesson FivePain Can Warn Us Of Danger5 Activities1 Assessment
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Lesson SixIn Times Of Crisis We Find One Another5 Activities1 Assessment
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Lesson SevenSuffering Gives Opportunity To Trust God5 Activities1 Assessment
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Lesson EightPain Loosens Our Grip On This Life5 Activities1 Assessment
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Lesson NineGod Suffers With Us In Our Suffering5 Activities1 Assessment
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Lesson TenGod's Comfort Is Greater Than Our Suffering5 Activities1 Assessment
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Course Wrap-UpCourse Completion1 Activity1 Assessment
Participants 1
Discussion Questions
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The word “synergism,” describing two forces or activities that work together, is seen in God’s dealings with Job. What were the forces at work, and how did they result in Job’s good?
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10 Replies
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Dr. Brand speaks of synergism happening between God and humanity. For Job this led to his declarations in Job 42:3b,5,6a:
Surely I spoke of things I did not understand,
things too wonderful for me to know. …
My ears had heard of you
but now my eyes have seen you.
Therefore I despise myself
and repent in dust and ashes
The synergy which happened as God questioned Job opened Job’s eyes to a deeper faith. -
While one of the forces wasn’t intended to push Job closer to God, Satan didn’t realize what he was doing was showing Job his need for God.
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The two forces were God and Satan. Satan wanted to destroy Job, but God used it for good when Job remained faithful.
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If I recall correctly God instructed Job to pray for his friends. The bible says that when Job prayed for his friends he was fully restored, actually 2 fold restoration.
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The forces at work were Satan inflicting pain and suffering in Job’s life to test his faith in God. The result was Job remained faithful to God and did not curse God, but instead kept firm to his faith and was rewarded with more than he lost in the end.
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What went through your mind when Dr. Brand said, “I believe that Christians should not too frequently ask, ‘Why me?’ but ask the question ‘What now, Lord?'” Do you think that is realistic or unfair?
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12 Replies
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I usually start with “Why me!” As soon as I realize what I have said and the demands I am making of God, I repent and move to “Not my will, but thine be done, O Lord.”
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In my life, I have realized that there is purpose behind everything that happens in my life. When we ask “Why me?” we sound like a victim, but because we are partakers with Christ, we should realize that every event has opportunity attached to it. While it can be challenging to continually have this approach, it is the right way of examining our lives.
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It’s human nature to want to know the answer to why. We ask why as soon as we’re able to talk. Admin God “why me” isn’t going to change anything. Asking why isn’t going to help you feel better. Asking God “now what” will help us to continue to move forward.
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I’ve heard others say it this same thing, not to ask why but what. I don’t think it’s wrong to ask “why.” Even Job asked God why. However, I don’t think we should get stuck on why.
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Obviously What now is a better question, but we are human and we do want to understand why? I don’ t think God judges us for asking why especially if we journey with him until we can ask what now.