The Book of Job and Counsel in the Whirlwind

In this article, George Schwab argues that the book of Job mirrors the experience of anyone who has suffered and been perplexed about why God has allowed such a thing to take place. Schwab maintains that Job is actually a ‘case study’ of a man who suffered and was counseled through it. He examines Job’s sufferings, Job’s reactions and counsel received from his friends. Schwab offers three insights into counseling: (1) Sometimes there is no direct relationship between a person’s sufferings and personal sin; (2) The Lord alone is wise and understands the design of what is happening; (3) God governs even the tumultuous and chaotic aspects of life, even evil. Schwab concludes that people who suffer need personal contact with God and complete restoration given by God.