God in Human Suffering (Job 36:1-15): A Theological Discourse

This paper titled “God in Human Suffering (Job 36:1-15): A Theological Discourse”, is geared towards investigating the reality of human suffering while discussing its theological underpinnings. Today, the world is besieged with different forms of difficulties and challenges which have plunged many into the realms of hardship and sufferings. Wars and violent conflicts, ill- health and diseases of different types, social, cultural, economic and natural factors continue to cause the human person to suffer. Worst still, the Christian who believes in so good a God, who created the world and died to redeemed the world, is not left out. Thus the question: if God who is good created the world good, why do humans suffer? This paper therefore argues that God did not create evil and subsequently is not responsible for human suffering. It argues that suffering is inevitable to human existence and that sin, natural, economic and human factors are responsible for the cause of human suffering. This paper adopted the historical critical method of exegesis while employing both the diachronic and synchronic approaches of this method in analyzing Job 36:1-15. Also, the contextual method was applied especially in contextualizing Job 36:1-15 to Christians who suffer in Nigeria. This paper discovered that suffering is indeed a reality among humans and that human existence presupposes human suffering in some regard. Also, in the exegesis of Job 36:1-15. It was discovered that suffering serves as a means of deliverance and a ransom to the person who suffers. Furthermore, the exegesis show that the one who suffers must return to God in obedience, love and hope for a change of fortune. It discovered that God is not responsible for human suffering but that certain human actions, choices and decisions in themselves are capable of causing humans to suffer. This paper recommended that those who are in position of authority, who make decisions and choices on behalf of the larger community of humans must consider the best interest of others in their actions. Also, it recommends that Christians who suffer, must channel their challenges to Jesus in hope. Finally, it recommends that all who suffer, must embark on legitimate efforts to alleviate their awkward situations.