Read Job 42:7–17
After Job had prayed for his friends, the LORD made him
prosperous again and gave him twice as much as he had before.
Job 42:10
Job ended up with twice as much as he had before. He was once again
a wealthy man. But we must not misinterpret this final chapter and
conclude that every trial will end with all problems solved, all hard
feelings forgiven, and everybody living “happily ever after.” It just
doesn’t always happen that way! This chapter assures us that, no matter what happens to us, God always writes the last chapter. Therefore,
we don’t have to be afraid. We can trust God to do what is right, no
matter how painful our situation may be.
But Job’s greatest blessing was knowing God better and understanding His working in a deeper way. “In the whole story of Job,”
wrote G. Campbell Morgan, “we see the patience of God and endurance of man. When these act in fellowship, the issue is certain. It is
that of the coming forth from the fire as gold, that of receiving the
crown of life.”4
No matter what God permits to come into our lives,
He always has His “afterword.” He writes the last chapter—and that
makes it all worthwhile.
Something to Ponder
How has your perspective on suffering changed as you’ve considered
Job’s story?