Chapter 4

In this chapter, we begins with the story of Job and his patience. It teaches that we should handle ourselves much like Job, allowing us to give up the attachments of this world while trusting in God’s ability to restore us. We'll deal with and stress the importance of God’s promises as depicted in Job and 2 Peter 3 encouraging the faithful to wait on God’s timing.

Holding On While Letting Go

Google Books’ teaser of Mary Ellen Hanish’s book contains this thought: “As the story of Job relates, few sufferings can be endured in a community, in one individual's experience as well. The book of Job represents suffering and loss.” Or as one philosopher noted, “It’s human nature to hold on to something regardless of its costs.” The story of Job in the Old Testament is known for its balance. How so? Hanish explains that even in deep sorrow his heart remains wide open. Although he lost nearly everything he possessed, he remained at peace. How is this possible? In the midst of worldly chaos, one’s heart can still remain pure to God’s will. Job just needed to listen. ​Although much is unknown, Job’s story bridges two ideas– letting go of attachments and fear. 

In the beginning, Job’s story unfolds with all he possesses. He is said to have been the wealthiest of men owning many property, having many children, and servants. He was a man who “was blameless and upright, one who feared God and shunned evil.” Job seems to have everything and all his work has been rewarded. This, however, does not last long as soon Job is bombarded with tribulations.

His losses continue with one loss after another, with the loss of his cattle and the slaughter of his hired men. A hurricane demolishes the building where all his offspring are, causing their death. To make matters worse, Job is also introduced to late stage cancer which makes matters only stretch. He has devoted friends who tell him to curse God and end his life but Job does not do so. Rather, he stays faithful even when engulfed in loss, sorrow, confusion, and rage. In all his suffering, Job did something remarkable: he doesn't deny his pain. He grieves and asks questions, but – his faith – he holds onto. God is there, present, even in the darkest hour. Hold on you're going to make it.

Letting Go of the Need to Understand

Suffering has many layers but in its heart, there lies a deep urge to understand the pain. When we are faced with the tragic experiences of loss, struggle, or perceived injustice, the easy question for us is, “What did I do to deserve this?” We want to know because deep down we somehow believe that knowing will allow us to understand it better. However, as the story of Job expounds, such understanding is not always the case. He never receives an explanation. Instead God speak to Job: "I made the world, so please do not question me" (Keller).

The Bible offers profound insights into the mysteries of life that are beyond human understanding. In the Book of Job, God challenges Job's understanding of creation by asking, "Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me if you understand" (Job 38:4). This response may seem unsatisfying at first, but it points to a deeper truth: we are not meant to understand everything. There are mysteries in life that are beyond our grasp, and part of letting go means releasing our need to have all the answers. In doing so, we are invited to trust in God’s wisdom and goodness, even when we cannot see the full picture.