If the Creator Cares, Why So Much Suffering? - The Person Behind the Suffering

In other words, Satan accused God of bribing Job.  This defiant spirit creature claimed that if Job was stripped of his wealth and his health, he would curse Jehovah.  By extension, Satan was asserting that  no human would love and be loyal to God in the face of suffering.  That challenging had global  and enduring impact.  The issues that Satan raised had to be settled.  Thus, God gave Satan freedom to act against Job, and Satan brought those various forms of suffering to the man.

Understandably, Job did not and could not know of the universal issue that was raised in the heavens. And Satan arranged things so that it appeared as if God were causing all of Job's calamities.  For example, when lightning struck Job's flocks of sheep, the surviving attendant concluded that it was "the very fire of God."  Although Job did not know why these things were happening, he would not curse or reject God. -Job 1:16, 19, 21. 

If you analyzed the circumstances behind Job's experience, you will see that the issue is, Will humans serve Jehovah out of love, despite troubles?  Job helped to answer that. Only true love for God could have moved a person to remain faithful to Jehovah, which is what Job did.  What a testimony against Satan's false accusations!  This case, however, did not begin and end with Job back then: it has extended for centuries. We are involved too.

How do many react when they see of face suffering, whatever its cause?  They may be unaware of the issues raised in Job's day, or they may  not believe that Satan even exists. Hence, often they doubt that there is a Creator, or they blame him for the suffering. How do you feel about this?  From what you know of the Creator, would  you not concur with the Bible writer James?  Despite suffering, he had this conviction:  "When under trial, let no one say:  'I am being tried by God.'  For with evil things God cannot be tried nor does he himself try anyone. -James 1:13. 

We have a valuable aide in getting the wise view. That is, our considering Jesus' case. We know that Jesus is esteemed for his insight, knowledge, and ability as a teacher.  Where did he stand regarding Satan and suffering?  Jesus was certain that Satan the Devil both exists and can cause suffering.  Satan, who tried to break Job's integrity, overtly tried to do the same with Jesus. Beyond proving that Satan is real, this shows that the challenge  raised in Job's day was continuing. As did Job, Jesus proved faithful to the Creator even at the cost of riches and power and although it caused him physical suffering and death on a torture stake.  Jesus' case shows that God was still allowing humans to demonstrate that they would be loyal to him despite problems. - Luke 4:1-13; 8:27-34; 11:14-22; John  19:1-30. 

Next time: If the Creator Cares, Why So Much Suffering? - Time Passes-For Good Reason 

From the book: Is There a Creator That Cares About You?