The opening chapters of Job emphasize, in a poetic way, Satan’s role as our adversary or accuser; they don’t describe an actual interaction between God and Satan. As you read what Satan said about Job (see Job 1:9–11; 2:4–5), you might ask yourself, “Why do I remain faithful to God?” Why would it be dangerous to obey the Lord solely for the reason Satan suggested?

What impresses you about Job’s responses to his trials? (see Job 1:20–22; 2:9–10).

Job’s friends suggested that God was punishing him (see Job 4–5; 8; 11). What problems do you see with this idea? Read Job’s response in chapters 12–13. What did Job know about God that enabled him to keep trusting? What do you know about God that helps you face challenges?

Sometimes we learn the most important truths during our most difficult times. Ponder the trials Job described in Job 19:1–22 and the truths he proclaimed in verses 23–27. How do you know that your Redeemer lives? What difference does this knowledge make in your life?

Consider singing or listening to a hymn about Jesus Christ, such as “I Know That My Redeemer Lives” (Hymns, no. 136). What words from this hymn express your feelings about Him?

See also Doctrine and Covenants 121:1–12; 122.

In Job 21–24, you’ll read a debate between Job and his friends. At the heart of this debate was a question many people have asked: Why do righteous people sometimes suffer?

Although we don’t have all the answers, in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ, we have some truths that can help us make sense of adversity and suffering. Below are latter-day scriptures that contain some of these truths. What do these scriptures teach you about Heavenly Father and His plan?

• 2 Nephi 2:11–13

• Mosiah 23:21–23; 24:10–16

• Ether 12:27

• Doctrine and Covenants 58:3–5

• Abraham 3:22–26

You could also read President Spencer W. Kimball’s teachings about adversity in “Tragedy or Destiny?” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Spencer W. Kimball [2011]), 11–21).

Based on what you have studied, how might you answer a question like “Why does God allow righteous people to suffer?

Frustrated with his friends’ accusations (see Job 16:1–5; 19:1–3), Job repeatedly asked God why he had to suffer so much (see Job 19:6–7; 23:1–9; 31). The Lord did not give a clear reason in the book of Job. But He did teach an important message in chapters 38–40. How would you summarize that message? For example, what do you learn from the Lord’s questions in Job 38:1–7, 18–24?

You’ll notice that the Lord spoke to Job about some of His creations and other mighty works (see Job 38–39). You might look at some of those creations (or pictures of them). How do these things help you think differently about God? about your trials? How did they change Job’s perspective? (see Job 42:1–6; see also Moses 1:8–10).

Here are two general conference messages that can help change our perspective: Tamara W. Runia, “Seeing God’s Family through the Overview Lens” (Liahona, Nov. 2023, 62–69); Russell M. Nelson, “Think Celestial!” (Liahona, Nov. 2023, 117–20). In either message, look for something that you’ll want to remember the next time your trials seem overwhelming. How will you remind yourself of what you learned?

• When Job was sad, his friends said that God was punishing him because he had sinned (see Job 22:5). If we were Job’s friends, how would we try to help him? How can our words help others when they are sad? (see Job 16:5). Consider showing one or more of the pictures in this outline as you discuss these questions.

• Consider asking your children to list some qualities of a good friend and to name a friend who has these qualities. Then you could look at a picture of Jesus Christ. In what ways is Jesus a good friend to each of us? You might think of someone who’s going through a hard time. Plan how you will be a Christlike friend to them.