Session 23

Job’s Wife

From Eve & Adam: 30-Day Bible Study

When you throw a stone into a pond, it not only affects the point of contact.  It sends out ripples and can impact the whole body of water.   Likewise, when events take place in our lives, they can be like those ripples and affect the people standing close by. 

In the book of Job, we see Job’s wife get stuck in one of the ripples of Job’s life.  God has granted Satan permission to test Job by taking away his children, his wealth, and his health.  Job’s wife is missing from this whole conversation between God and Satan; however, she is greatly impacted by it all.  The massive stone is thrown at Job, and his wife is standing close enough to feel the impact of one of its largest ripples.

Have you been there?  It’s not your disaster, but it’s one that has greatly impacted your life.  Your best friend loses a loved one; your spouse loses a job; your child’s heart is broken; your parent receives a detrimental diagnosis.  With that in mind, her reaction in Job 2:9-10 is not really that shocking.  She’s shaking her fist at God because she has no clue why she’s in the middle of this mess.   And she can’t even claim it as her own mess.

When we find ourselves in these circumstances, the truth of 1 Peter 5:7 has to take root:   “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”  The “you” in this verse is individual, personal.  He cared for Job’s wife as much as He cared for Job.  His plan for Job was not meant to cheat his wife out of a better life.  This was the plan for her that could bring God the most glory.

1. How have you been affected by someone else’s circumstances?

2. In what area of your life do you feel God’s plan is not good for you?