Wisdom for the Heart: Audio

The book of Job is so important for us because it deals with questions that we as Christians have all asked but are sometimes afraid to voice. Questions like, "If God loves me, why does He let me suffer?" Or "Is God as good as He says He is?" Join Stephen in this message as we witness Job and his three friends grapple with these issues philosophically and personally.

Almost the entire book of Job is a series of conversations between he and his friends regarding the issue of suffering. Questions like "Why do believers suffer?" or "Is suffering punishment for some sin?" are just a couple. Perhaps you're asking the same questions today, so join Stephen in this message as he reveals to us what Job and his friends discovered.

There is one thing that all fairytales seem to have in common: a happy ending. The prince rescues his princess, the dragon is killed, and the deserving young lovers ride off happily into a glorious sunset. This is the life that Job once lived, but now the Dragon is pummeling Job's shield with his flaming breath and slashing at his armor without rest. Job's fairy tale is quickly coming to an end.

There is one thing that all fairytales seem to have in common: a happy ending. The prince rescues his princess, the dragon is killed, and the deserving young lovers ride off happily into a glorious sunset. This is the life that Job once lived, but now the Dragon is pummeling Job's shield with his flaming breath and slashing at his armor without rest. Job's fairy tale is quickly coming to an end.

Stephen and Scott discuss questions phoned in by listeners. Due to production restraints, this program is a repeat of QA10 which aired in August of 2015. Please note that there is NO transcript available for this program.

Job is right in the middle of his suffering and his spirit becomes more and more darkened with each passing chapter. His optimism is quickly fading. Thanks to unwise council from friends and lack of answers from God, Job is fast becoming the most broken and most devout cynic of his time.

Hundreds of years before Christ came to earth, a man named Job was already preaching the Gospel. There had been no incarnation, no crucifixion, and no resurrection, but God's message to fallen mankind was still the same as it is now. Let's watch how it affects the life of a suffering Saint.

Speaking the truth is important, but speaking the truth in love is most important. Criticism should always be given to help the other person, not harm them. Job's friend Bildad didn't get that. Not only did he offer bad advice to his suffering companion, but he did it in the most unloving way possible.

What do you do when you're depressed? Do you go for a drive? Do you talk with a friend? Do you pray and read Scripture? Do you give up on God? The dungeon of despair often feels dark and lonely, but job's story reminds us that we are never really alone. Jesus knows what it is to suffer . . . and He can sympathize with all our weakness.

Has someone ever asked you for spiritual advice and you weren't sure what advice to give them? It isn't a good feeling, is it? But as we look at the advice that Job's closest friends gave him during his most difficult trial, we'll learn that not having an answer is sometimes better than giving the wrong answer.

If Job -- a man of character, integrity and faith -- can hit rock bottom, you and I can as well. Most of us have already. That is why, when dealing with the problem of suffering, there is no better place for us to turn than to this little Divinely inspired book called Job.

If Job -- a man of character, integrity and faith -- can hit rock bottom, you and I can as well. Most of us have already. That is why, when dealing with the problem of suffering, there is no better place for us to turn than to this little Divinely inspired book called Job.

When a person is suffering, they sometimes need a pat on the back or a get well card. They also sometimes need an encouraging verse of Scripture. But one thing that suffering Saints always need is presence. When you don't know what to say or write to that suffering friend, then don't say anything. Just be there. It will make all the difference.

Stephen puts an exclamation point on this practical and encouraging letter from the Apostle Peter by emphasizing the importance of church unity—we believers belong to one another in Christ, and we’re called to live in this world for Him. But how are we to do that when, as in the first century, our culture is increasingly hostile toward Christians? Discover eight action steps to live in the state of peace established by the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ.

How do you handle suffering? Do you try to deal with it yourself only to ultimately crumble under the stress and sorrow? Suffering serves a glorious purpose—God uses it to refine us, grow us, and make us more like Him. Thankfully, we don’t have to face trials alone. We can rest in the God of all grace, relying on Him for strength and comfort. This lesson expounds upon how, in our heartbreak, God Himself mends us, builds us up, and sets our feet on solid ground.