(42:1-6) Job Repents From Questioning God - Throughout this book we read about Job's friends asking him to admit his sin and ask for forgiveness. Eventually, Job did indeed repent. Ironically, Job's repentance was not the kind called for by his friends. He did not ask forgiveness for committing secret sins but for questioning God's sovereignty and justice. Job repented of his attitude and acknowledged God's great power and perfect justice. We sin when we angrily ask, "If God is in control, how could he let this happen?" Because we are locked into time, unable to see beyond today, we cannot know the reasons for everything that happens. Thus, we must often choose between doubt and trust. Will you

trist God with vour unanswered questions:

(42:2-4) Job Admits He was Foolish - Job was quoting the Lord's earlier questions to him (38:2-3). He openly and honestly faced God and admitted that he was the one who had been foolish. Are you using what you can't understand as an excuse for your lack of trust? Admit to God that you don't even have enough faith to trust him. True faith begins in such humility.

(42:7-8) God Confirms Job's Friends Were Wrong - God made it clear that Job's friends were wrong. The fact that God did not mention any specific sins shows that he was confirming Job's claim to have led a devout and obedient life. Job's friends had made the error of assuming that Job's suffering was caused by some great sin. They were judging Job without knowing what God was doing. We must be careful to avoid making judgments about people, because God may be working in ways we know nothing about.

(42:8-10) Job's Prays For His Friends - After receiving much criticism, Job was still able to pray for his three friends. It is difficult to forgive someone who has accused you of wrongdoing, but Job did. Are you praying for those who have hurt you? Can you forgive them? Follow the actions of Job, whom God called a good man, and pray for those who have wronged you.

(42:10-11) Our Restoration Comes From the Lord - Would the message of the book of Job change if God had not restored to Job his former blessings? No. God is still sovereign. Jesus said that anyone who gives up something for the kingdom of God will be repaid (Luke 18:29-30). Our restoration may or may not be the same kind as Job's, which was both spiritual and material. Our complete restoration may not come in this life--but it will happen. God loves us, and he is both just and gracious. He will not only restore whatever we have lost unjustly but also give us more than we can imagine as we live with him in eternity. Cling tightly to your faith through all your trials, and you, too, will be rewarded by God--if not now, then in the life to come.

(42:17) A Timeless Message - The main question in the book of Job is timeless: Why do believers experience troubles and suffering? Through a long debate, Job's supposedly wise friends were unable to answer this question. Job's friends made a serious error for which God rebuked them. They assumed that trouble comes only because people sin. People make the same mistake today when they assert that sickness or lack of material blessing is a sign of unconfessed sin or lack of faith. Though following God normally (but not always) leads to a happier life and rebelling against God normally (but not always) leads to an unhappy life, God is in control of our circumstances. In our world invaded by sin, calamity and suffering may come to good and bad alike. This does not mean that God is indifferent, uncaring, unjust, or powerless to protect us. Bad things happen because we live in a fallen world, where both believers and unbelievers are hit with the tragic consequences of sin. God allows evil for a time, although he eventually turns it around for our good (Romans 8:28). We may have no answers as to why God allows evil, but we can be sure he is all-powerful and knows what he is doing. The next time you face trials and dilemmas, see them as opportunities to turn to God for strength. You will find in God one who only desires to show his love and compassion to you. If you can trust him in pain, confusion, and loneliness, you will win the victory and eliminate doubt, one of Satan's greatest footholds in your life. Make God your foundation. You can never be separated from his love.