A recent survey found that half of Americans believe that God chooses not to intervene in suffering because it is “part of a larger plan,” but that doesn’t necessarily mean pain, much less relieve it.
Few books deal with pain and suffering as poignantly as the Book of Job. But Old Testament passages that combine a narrative framework with Hebrew poetry can be difficult to understand.
Evangelist and author Autumn Miles joined CBN’s “Faith in Culture” podcast to discuss her new book, “Holy Ghosted: What Job’s Pain Teachings About Spiritual Silence,” and offer practical ways to understand the story of Job.
Below are some powerful quotes from my conversation with Autumn.
On why the church needs to address suffering:
The world has kind of coined this story about God. Why is God mean? Why would a good God, a kind God, a gentle God, a loving God, allow bad things to happen to good, innocent people? And the world uses that as a justification for turning away from God. And it works.
On why God’s silence is intentional:
I believe God wanted to give Job a gift of himself. A greater self than Job had yet experienced.
About Job becoming famous in heaven:
Job was also famous in heaven. …God knew his name. Satan knew his name. And everyone in that throne room knew exactly who God was talking about when He said, “Have you considered my servant Job?”
About how God actually answers prayers:
Often God doesn’t answer us with “yes, no, or wait.” Often He answers us not with what our mouths ask, but with what our souls desire.
On Job sets a precedent for suffering:
God was setting a precedent. I am allowing my people to suffer. Before we make a law, God says, “I permit this.” And you need to know this to get through the difficult seasons that will come in your life.
On relying on God in difficult times:
Many people find this faith too difficult and God will not answer them, so they feel safe and try to distance themselves from God. You will get temporary relief. That’s why you see so many people dismantling their faith. But in reality, we need to rely on God for revelation.
About God’s character remaining unchanged through trials:
God’s nature never changes. During the season of silence, I had to train my mind to remember that even though what I was facing was bad, His character was good.
I hope you find my conversation with Autumn encouraging and rewarding. If you are going through a particularly difficult time in your life, seek the face of God, find a godly community, and call forth the promises of the Bible.
“But as for me, I know that my Savior lives and that at last he will stand on this earth.” — Job 19:25 (NIV)
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