Viktor Frankl, a Holocaust survivor and author of Man’s Search for Meaning, once said, “Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one's own way.” When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves. Frankl experienced deep suffering, losing his family in Nazi concentration camps, and facing death every day. Yet, out of the darkness, he discovered that hope and meaning lie not in external circumstances, but in how we respond to them. Frankl’s story reminds us of Job’s journey. He experienced unimaginable suffering, losing his possessions, his family, and his health. Yet he persisted in his search for meaning amidst despair.
Job knew that his life was in God’s plan, but he could not understand the purpose of his suffering. He felt accused without knowing what he had done wrong. He begged God to explain whether his suffering was truly punishment for sin, or whether there was a hidden reason behind it all. In his inner silence, he wrestled with two possibilities, if he was guilty, was this punishment deserved? If he was right, why did he continue to suffer? Job reached the peak of his pain when he questioned his own existence. If he had never been born, he would not have to feel this misery. He spoke of a mortal life, which only lasts a moment and then disappears in the shadow of death. שְׁאוֹל (Sheol), a place of darkness and uncertainty, seemed to make more sense to him than a life that was constantly haunted by suffering.
However, precisely in Job's despair, we see a glimmer of hope. He did not say that God did not exist. He did not deny His existence. He only wanted God to leave him for a moment, so that he could enjoy a little relief before he finally closed his eyes in uncertainty. That hope remained, even though it was faint and covered by the fog of suffering. Like the morning dew that appears behind the fog, Job unknowingly continued to depend on the God he thought had abandoned him.
Bible friends, everyone must experience challenges in life, such as loss, failure, and deep sadness. In difficult situations, we can choose to respond with faith and courage. Although God’s light may not always be visible, it does not mean that He is not present. Today we are reminded that in the midst of darkness, we can still find light if we surrender to God. Like Job, we may not immediately understand the reason for our suffering, but faith leads us to trust that God has a greater plan.
