One Person’s Suffering

Several days ago, the commentary in my Bible presented before my daily reading from Job, stated something that I had never even considered as I’ve previously read this story multiple times.

It said this:  “As Job recalls the former days of blessing when he felt God’s friendship, he remembers the honor he experienced, as both old and young respected him.  Those on the margins of life–the poor, the blind, the lame, orphans, widows and strangers–received his care.  His position allowed him to thwart oppressors.  Life was good for everyone connected to Job.  Job’s suffering changed all that.  Those formerly blessed by Job became secondary sufferers of his suffering.  One person’s suffering can affect so many others.” *  (You can read about all the things he did for others and the positive results he garnered as a result, in Job 29.)  So basically, Job’s suffering was rather like a row of dominoes that have been set up, someone touches the first one and they all start to methodically tumble down.)

A few days later the commentary said this:  “Neither the righteousness nor the wickedness of people adds to or diminishes God’s character, but both do impact other people.” *  (Job 35:6-8 ERV says:  “If you sin, it does not hurt God.  Even if your sins are too many to count, that does nothing to God.  And if you are good, that does not help God.  He gets nothing from you.  Job, the good and bad things you do affect only other people like yourself.”

All those thoughts caused me to think about how we all get ourselves into situations – sometimes by accident and sometimes purposely – that don’t turn out as expected.  Then there could be consequences to pay that may be mildly difficult or very difficult – we have “issues”.  In situations like that, do we ever give thought to others that may be affected by our “suffering” because of our poor decisions?  Job’s situation/suffering was through no fault of his own – yet others suffered as a result.  But, we tend to bring our problems on ourselves with faulty actions – likely because we didn’t pray about things before we moved on them.  The results are that others can be involved in paying the price along with us.

Job 36:15 ERV – “God saves those who suffer by using their suffering.  He uses their troubles to speak in a way that makes them listen.”  This verse brought me back to something I shared with you just last week – a Word from God spoken to Chris Tiegreen about this very issue.  I’m going to refresh your memory by quoting it again:  

“‘Notice in My Word how every crisis is an opportunity for people to experience Me and learn more of who I am.  Your difficult situations set the stage for moments of revelation.  I reveal who I am in the midst of your need for Me.  You would never know Me as Healer, Deliverer, or Provider if you never needed healing, deliverance, or provision.  And because your need to know Me is greater than your need to be immune from the challenges, I will allow you to be put in challenging situations.

Still, My words to you are, ‘Don’t be afraid.  I am here to help you.’…I want the very best for you, and I’m in the process of working it out.’”

I believe this should serve as a warning for us.  We need to guard our thoughts and our actions much more carefully and make all of our life decisions a serious matter of prayer before stepping out.  Our poor decisions and missteps could not only result in our suffering, but could domino out to many others.  So, more thoughtful actions will benefit not only ourselves, but possibly our family, our friends – even strangers.  After all, who enjoys suffering of any kind? BUT, if it happens, there are still lessons to be learned if we’ll just listen for God’s voice.

On the flip side, when we make good decisions and positive things happen to and for us, that too will radiate out to others in our lives. Hopefully, like with Job, life will be good for all associated with us, because we can be there to care for them and to thwart oppressors.

Each day I pray this – “Lord, I want to have the mind of Christ and all the wisdom that offers me.  So I disavow my own wisdom and lean into God’s wisdom for all decisions I need to make today.”  I need to focus on that more seriously and listen more closely to God’s voice, warning me if I’m about to do the wrong thing; or, encouraging me if I’m on the right path.  That should help prevent the possibility of suffering for myself and others.

Written by Karran Martin – January 31, 2025

[All bold emphasis is mine]

*The One Year Chronological Study Bible (NLT) – Tyndale House Publishing