Ten Epic Legacies
“Trust Over Blame”
Job 1-42

Life is difficult
Life is unfair

Job 1

Job
	Man of integrity, character, fairness, respect
	7 sons, 3 daughters
	7,000 sheep = clothing line
	3,000 camels = moving company
	1,000 oxen = grocery store
	500 female donkeys = delicacy drink

Satan
	Job is worshiping God because of what he gets out of it; he’ll turn on you! (v. 9-11)

True still today…
	We encounter a real accuser we can’t see
	There are trials that we don’t deserve, but they’re permitted
	God will work it together for the good
	When we don’t know why we suffer, it is harder

“It is not only because Job suffered that he is important to us.  It is because he suffered in the same ways that we suffer – in the vital areas of family, personal health, and material things. It’s not suffering that troubles us.  It is underserved suffering!” – Eugene Peterson 

Naked in; Naked out
	Everything is on loan
	Hold everything loosely
	Be ready for anything
	There is no place where we can’t find God

Epic Legacy
	Trust over blame

Job 3-41

Choosing trust in the suffering will…
	Not eliminate pain
	Not stop questions
	Not create a logical reason for the suffering

Job 42

Choosing trust in the suffering will…
	Remind you that God is in control
	Be a rare gift to God
	Bring God close to you
	Bring great blessings

Suffering
	Multifaceted
	Happens best in community
	Equips us for serving

We naturally try to avoid suffering at all cost, but God brings suffering in our lives for the sake of our eternal joy.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” – James 1:2-3

Trust over blame