1. Bad Girls of the Bible Job’s Wife: The Grief- Stricken Mother Job 1-2

2. Job’s Wife – a Family Targeted by Satan – Job was targeted because of his faithfulness (Job 1:8-10) It seemed that he lost everything (Job 1:13-21) It seemed that he lost everything (Job 1:13-21) Oxen, donkeys stolen (Job 1:13-15) Oxen, donkeys stolen (Job 1:13-15) Sheep burned up (Job 1:16-17) Sheep burned up (Job 1:16-17) Camels stolen (Job 1:17) Camels stolen (Job 1:17) Servants killed (Job 1:15-17) Servants killed (Job 1:15-17) Sons and daughters destroyed in tornado (Job 1:18-19) Sons and daughters destroyed in tornado (Job 1:18-19) – In all his adversity, Job did not sin, nor charge God with wrong (Job 1:22) – But all of the things that happened to Job also happened to his wife…

3. Job’s Wife – a Family Targeted by Satan – Satan took much from Job, but did not take his wife (Job 2:9) – God promises He will not allow us to be tempted beyond what we are able to bear (I Cor 10:13) This verse is so often misquoted and misused. This verse is so often misquoted and misused. Job is a superb example (Job 1:22, 2:10) Job is a superb example (Job 1:22, 2:10) – Job shouldered the burden of his trials with grace, but his wife was a different story altogether.

4. Job’s Wife – Handling Grief in the Right Way – We are emotional creatures, and God made us this way – We must take care that our expression of emotion is not a springboard to sinful actions Job 2:10 – “Curse God and die.” Job 2:10 – “Curse God and die.” Psalm 4:4, Eph 4:26 – “Be angry, and do not sin.” Psalm 4:4, Eph 4:26 – “Be angry, and do not sin.” – What are some ways that we handle grief?

5. Job’s Wife – Some Negative expressions of Grief – Blame God (Job 2:10) – Use our grief as an excuse for bitterness (“I am grieving, so nothing I say right now will be held against me.”) – Turn inward, rather than focusing on others – Equate grief with love (If I stop grieving, it will mean I didn’t love them)

6. Job’s Wife – Understanding Grief – Grief is necessary (Matthew 5:4) – Even Jesus grieved (John 11:35) – Joseph understood that mourning takes time (Gen 50:3) – Turn inward, rather than focusing on others, wallowing in self-pity (Matthew 6:34) – Understand the stages Shock, or numbness Shock, or numbness Depression (foregoing activity, focus inward, guilt) Depression (foregoing activity, focus inward, guilt) Anger and anxiety Anger and anxiety Acceptance (healing begins) Acceptance (healing begins)

7. Job’s Wife – Helping Others through Grief – Be there (Rom 12:15, John 11:33-36) – Use your own previous grief as a learning experience for helping others (2 Cor 1:4) – Share the comfort of God 2 Cor 1:3-4 2 Cor 1:3-4 Romans 15:4 Romans 15:4 Rev 21:4 Rev 21:4 Joshua 1:5 Joshua 1:5