Bible Question:
I have been a devout Christian all my life, recently my faith has been waivering and I want to ask this question because I don't understand, not because I am trying to disprove any thing, I just need help. My question comes from the story of Job, from what I understand and I am paraphrasing here, that the devil went to God and told God that Job wouldn't be so faithful had he not been so blessed (this sounds to me like manipulation) so God granted the devil to take everything from Job, ruining his life, putting him into hardships no one should have to go through. So if God says though shall not tempt the lord, then what was that? Jesus says to be slow to anger, and quick to forgive, when the bible talks about God being a jealous, and vengeful God. This sounds contradictory to me, which is why I am so confused. If God was perfect and loving and impenetrable to sin then why did he succumb to it in the case of Job, even Jonah, etc? Why does God test us? How much faith do I need before God says ok I believe you, you have faith I will stop taking away now and start blessing you. I have been reading James, about the endurance of faith, but it seems contradictory to me, like do as I say not as I do. If anyone could help I would appreciate it, I don't want to lose my faith, and I want to believe, but can someone help me make sense of this? |
Bible Answer: Greetings, I can understand your confusion, and many Christians have asked similar questions. Let me see if I can help you with some clarity. First off, the interaction between God and Satan at the beginning of Job wasn't actually a temptation. God actually starts the conversation by gloating to Satan about the faithfulness of Job. Satan makes a simple, yet obvious statement in that Job is faithful for a reason. It's Satan's belief that if God stops protecting Job, then Job will curse God. God doesn't believe Satan. So, these two make a wager, if you will. Basically, the entire story of Job is all about a cosmic bet between God and Satan with poor Job stuck in the middle. So, while on the surface, it seems like Satan is tempting God when in actuality, Satan was responding to God's gloating. God told Satan that he can do anything he wanted to Job, but to not kill him. Satan put Job through the proverbial wringer, but Job remained faithful to God. Thanks to Job's faith, God won the bet. Secondly, God doesn't tempt us, but he does test or try us. It's a way of helping us grow stronger. Remember, God won't put you through any more than what he knows you can deal with. Thirdly, God is described as jealous in that he wants to be the one worshipped. Let me ask you this. How would you feel if you found out if your spouse was unfaithful and sleeping with others? Anyone in that situation would be very upset. God is no different when it comes to worshipping him or worshipping something else. In fact, you'll find all through the Old Testament where Idolatry is described as a form of divine adultery. His prophet Hosea uses this symbolism. As for his wrath and vengeance, It's a righteous wrath. He's angry at sin and sinners for a reason. He punishes them righteously. Even Jesus got mad, and started whipping people with a make shift whip. However, he was still sinless. Being angry isn't a sin. Being angry for the wrong reasons, and acting sinfully while angry is what makes anger so dangerous. In conclusion, God doesn't give us more to handle than he knows we can deal with. Sometimes, it seems like there is no end, but God sees over the next hill. Remember the words of the Prophet Isaiah. It helps me to get through and trust in the Lord. "Those who wait for the Lord will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary." God doesn't say when he'll bless us. He just promises that we will be blessed beyond our wildest dreams. Trust in God, Pray without ceasing, and read his word. Jalek |