Job was one of the finest men ever born. If Job was not suffering because of his sinful actions, what were Job's problems?

Job had two big problems. Job did not operate in faith concerning his family and business, and Job thought he was righteous because of his good deeds.

Job did not have great faith at this point in his life. He had great fear. He was in despair and admitted what happened to him was something he greatly feared.

"For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid is come unto me" (Job 3:25).

Fear does not overcome the world, and in the absence of faith, great fear brings defeat. Job needed to overcome his fear and obtain faith to receive victory over the adverse circumstances in his life.

Job's other big problem was that he thought he could be made righteous by his good deeds. Job did not understand that no person, no matter how perfect, can be righteous by earning points for doing good.

Everyone must be made righteous by God's provision alone. God gives righteousness to everyone as a free gift. Salvation comes by the grace of God and is received by faith (Eph. 2:8).

Job needed faith and grace to overcome his terrible circumstances. Job could not overcome his problems without the help of God. Job needed to hear from God to find the faith and grace he needed to overcome his limits.

God Speaks to Job
God never abandoned Job and God was not the cause of Job's sufferings. God was the answer to his troubles. God knew Job was in trouble because God hears the cries of those who are suffering (Ps. 34:17).

Faith comes by hearing the Word of God. Job needed to hear God's voice to be saved from his terrible circumstances. God speaks to him from the middle of a mighty whirlwind.

Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? Gird up now thy loins like a man, for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.
(Job 38:1-3)

God does not have to answer Job's accusations against Him. God said Job did not know what he was talking about. Job tried to blame God for his circumstances, but it was not God who was accusing him and tempting him.

Job has to answer a series of questions God asks him. Through these questions God begins to reveal his character and nature to Job. This builds Job's faith. God begins to lead Job out of the depths of despair by focusing Job's attention on Him and not on his troubles.

God asked Job questions which made him realize His magnificence. His questions dealt with the wonders of creation. Who made the earth? Who made the boundaries of the oceans? Who made snow and hail? Who feeds lions and ravens? Who makes horses strong and eagles to nest on mountaintops? (see Job 38:4-39:30).

God wanted Job to realize he is not to accuse God of doing anything evil to him. God continued to ask Job questions.

Gird up thy loins like a man: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. Wilt thou also disannul my judgement? Wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous?
(Job 40:7-8)

God pointed out a fatal flaw in Job's thinking. Job thought his good deeds made him righteous before God. Job thought he should not have to suffer because of his good works. He failed to realize he could only be justified by faith and not works.

Job had to accept his righteousness through God by faith. Job cold not save himself. Job had to accept the fact he was not righteous because of his deeds. He was only righteous by faith in God.

Through his conversation with God, Job received faith from the Word of God. God's Word and instruction to Job took him from a place of great fear to a place of faith in God. His faith in God is what helped him make the necessary changes in his life to have victory over his circumstances.

Job Realized He Was Wrong
Job's personal interaction with his Creator broke the limits in his life and brought him to a place of repentance. When Job saw the goodness of God and compared it to his own goodness, he saw how inadequate he was.

Listen to what Job said as he realized he had falsely blamed God for his problems:

Then Job answered the LORD, and said, I know that thou canst do every thing, and that no thought can be withholden from thee. Who is he that hideth counsel without knowledge?

Therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not. Hear I beseech thee, and I will speak: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me. I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee. Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.
(Job 42:1-6)

He now understands the goodness of God. He saw how he needed to completely put his trust in God's plan and purpose for his life.

Job repented from his self-righteousness. He accepted the grace of God and was restored. Job's restoration was not just a spiritual restoration. Job's restoration included his health, his prosperity and his peace of mind.

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