Job 29-31: It Isn't Fair

In spite of his conclusions, Job still cannot understand why all this calamity has happened to him.  He was such a good man.  He fed the poor, he took care of widows and orphans, he prospered, everyone knew who he was and looked up to him.  His heart was in the right place as well.  He was faithful to his wife and never lusted after another woman.  He did not make gold his god or search after any other gods.  In short, Job was exactly as God described him to Satan.  Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered my servant Job? There is no one on earth like him; he is blameless and upright, a man who fears God and shuns evil."  - Job 1:8 NIV

And so all of the dialog between Job and his three friends comes to an end.  They have reached no conclusion.  They have maintained all along that Job must have committed some sin against God ,while Job has remained steadfast in his belief that he has done nothing to bring about his situation.

The truth of the matter goes back to the garden when sin entered the world and we have only one response.

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. - 1 Peter 5:6-9 NIV

What Job was facing was not new.  The people of God, down through the ages have faced all kinds of persecution from the enemy.  Amidst their cries of 'It isn't fair.  I've done nothing wrong.' they have lost their property and their children.   There has been no mercy even though they begged for it.  The prison doors have not been opened, their wounds have not been healed.  They have wandered without a home or even a country. They have been sent to gas chambers and burned at the stake.

And where was God all of this time.  Right where he has always been, in heaven, looking down on his creation and offering the grace to get through any circumstance if they will only ask.