Why do bad things happen to good people, and why do the righteous suffer?
The book of Job, which is the oldest book in the Bible, deals with these questions—and God has an answer.
Everyone will have problems and suffering in life, but Christians have provisions to go with their problems. Today we will consider the story of Job. He was blameless and upright, feared God and shunned evil. He was a wealthy man. Note that the Bible describes Job’s character first, then his family, and then his possessions.
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Battles occur when two forces want the same possession. The key thing the two forces (Satan and the Lord) wanted from Job was his character not his family or possessions. The devil wanted Job’s character, and so did God. So, there was a battle going on for the soul of Job.
The same thing is going on with you. The devil wants your soul and your character. He wants you to lose faith in the integrity of God and throw in the towel. The devil wants you to quit praying and reading the Bible and quit going to church.
God also wants your soul and your character. We have to make a choice of how we will live. The devil tries to make you lose faith in God and lose your character.
Job prayed on behalf of his children and wanted them to be spiritual. He regularly used blood sacrifice to atone for his children. Job was a priest for his family.
One day Satan came before the Lord, and the Lord said, “Have you considered My servant Job?” God bragged on Job saying he’s blameless, upright, fears God and shuns evil. Perhaps Job wasn’t as perfect as God says, but because when God looks at His people, it’s through the lens of grace.
Satan asked if Job feared God for nothing. “He’s been blessed, but now touch all he has, and he will surely curse you.” See? Satan is after Job’s character.
God said, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.” Then Satan went out from the presence of the Lord. It was Satan who went after Job, not God. Bad things happen to good people because of Satan. Suffering doesn’t come from God.
A messenger came to Job and told him his livestock were killed, then another messenger came and said his children had all died. Job tore his robe, shaved his head, fell to the ground, and worshipped God. This is the lesson for you. When you fall into a trial, worship God. Worship is the key that gave Job the strength to take him through his trials.
Satan came before the Lord again, and the Lord said, “Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil. And he still maintains his integrity, though you incited me against him to ruin him without any reason.”
Satan challenged God to allow him to strike Job physically. God allowed this, but forbid Satan to kill Job. Satan struck Job with painful sores over all of his body. Then Job’s wife encouraged him to curse God and die. Job replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” Job did not lose his integrity or his faith.
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What carried Job through his troubles was worship. When you experience bad things, you must step out in worship. Remember, life often feels unfair, but you can still trust in God’s plan.
Marilyn Hickey founded Marilyn Hickey Ministries more than 45 years ago with God’s vision to cover the earth with the Word. Marilyn co-hosts a daily television program, Today with Marilyn & Sarah, reaching a potential viewing audience of over 2 billion households worldwide. Marilyn communicates deep biblical truths in a way that is understandable and practical for everyday life.
Sarah Bowling is on a mission to connect every one with the heart of God while loving those who are overlooked, excluded, and ignored. Led by Holy Spirit and anchored in the Word, Sarah seeks to inspire all to know the unconditional and transformational love of God in our daily lives. A Bible teacher, author, international speaker, and a global humanitarian, Sarah also co-hosts a daily television program, Today with Marilyn & Sarah.
Isabell Bowling’s passion is to help people have a transformative experience with the power of God. She brings a fresh anointing of the presence and fire of God wherever she goes. Her faith and ministry was shaped by observation and prayer, watching the Lord work in and through her grandmother, Marilyn Hickey, and her mom, Sarah Bowling. After graduating from Oral Roberts University in 2023, Isabell joined the Marilyn & Sarah Ministries team where she stepped into a powerful teaching ministry with her family.
