Where was God?
key words
biblical reference
Job 38:1-11; 40:1-9; 42:1-17
lesson objective
To learn to trust in the power of God in the midst of consequences.
memory verse
“I can do all this through [Christ] who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13, NIV*).
prepare yourself to teach
At some point in our lives, we have all wondered why certain situations occur. We want to know the cause of tragedies that we cannot understand or control the death of a young man, the serious illness of a mother with small children, or the natural disaster that devastates cities, leaving behind death and destruction. And, we ask ourselves, “Why, Lord?”
The book of Job does not say why events like these happen, nor does it explain why human beings suffer. However, it teaches us to trust in the almighty God, creator of heaven and earth.
It is important that preadolescents have an adequate concept of God. They must learn that his power goes beyond our human understanding, and that, although situations are often disastrous, he is faithful and will not leave his children helpless.
biblical commentary
Read Job 38:1-11; 40:1-9 and 42:1-17. While Job felt that God had been unfair and abandoned him in the midst of his problems, and despite his complaints, Job continued to believe in the sovereignty of God.
The Lord reminded Job that he had control of nature and that he had always been by his side, even though he had not noticed.
Job, in understanding his insignificance in comparison with the majesty of God, repented of his complaints and accusations. He understood that the ways of God are beyond the reach of human understanding, and that only God knows the reason of all situations.
When the trial was over, God blessed Job, giving him more sons and daughters, restoring all his possessions and multipling his cattle. The Lord showed Job his faithfulness, giving him more wealth and prosperity than he had before.
The book of Job does not answer why people suffer. However, it gives a message of encouragement to those who go through difficult situations, showing that faith can thrive even in the midst of confusion and doubt. It also reveals that God works in the midst of the most terrible circumstances because his power has no limits.
Many years after Job, another man suffered without deserving it. It was Jesus who suffered and died on a cross, but his suffering brought about our freedom and our forgiveness.
God honored Jesus. Through the example of Jesus, he teaches us to be faithful and obedient in the midst of suffering.
introduce the lesson
Important decisions
Have your group look at the Student Activity Sheet #325-A, and allow time for them to write a list of nine decisions they have made, and what helped them make those decisions.
Talk about the lists they made. Write the most common answers on the board regarding what/ who helped them make that decision (for example, scripture, parents, friends, teachers, etc.).
teach the lesson
If your group is large, divide it into three groups. Assign Job 38:1-11 to the first group, Job 40:1-9 to the second, and Job 42:1-6 to the third. Tell them that each group should read its passage and write the two most important points they find.
Allow them to work 8 to 10 minutes on this activity. Afterwards, each group will come forward and present their conclusions to the others. If you think they will not be able to finish in that time, do the activity with the whole class instead of dividing it into groups.
After listening to the conclusions, make sure that the concepts are clear and be prepared to provide more information on the subject.
connect the lesson
What did Job think? What do I think?
Use Student Activity Sheet #325-B to enrich today’s lesson. Divide students into two teams to answer the suggested questions.
The first team will analyze and answer the first set of questions, while the second one will work with the second set of questions.
Then, both teams will read their answers and write them on their worksheets. The important thing about these activities is for students to talk and reflect among themselves. This exercise will expand their learning and help them retain the truths of the lesson.
practice the memory verse
You can play the invisible word game to help them learn the verse. Start by writing the verse on a chalkboard or whiteboard. Say the verse together, aloud. Then erase a word and say the verse again, inserting the erased word in the appropriate place. Continue erasing one or two words and repeating the verse until all the words are erased. You could give a small prize to the child(s) who can say the verse once all the words are erased.
(If you do not have a chalkboard or whiteboard, write the verse on sheets of paper, one word on each sheet and tape it to the wall. Then, instead of erasing a word, take a word off the wall.)
wrap-up
Pray
Give thanks to God for this lesson and give attention to the prayer needs of those who are experiencing problems.
Encourage
Have a short time of worship to encourage the group before you say goodbye.
Invite
Also, do not forget to invite students to the next session for the last lesson of this unit.
* Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan.com The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc.™