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Let God Be God: Life-Changing Truths from the Book of Job
It's an age-old question, "Why do awful things happen to people?" Maybe the question is even more personal for you, "Why do bad things keep happening to me?" The book of Job is God's timeless illustration of human suffering, and author Ray Stedman helps you find fresh truths and encouragement in the midst of your own trials and helps put them into perspective―God's perspective―to guide you toward healing and peace. In Let God Be God, you'll appreciate Ray's warmth, humor, and biblical insight as you discover the book of Job in a new and compassionate light.
251 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2007
119 people are currently reading
315 people want to read
About the author
Ray C. Stedman
155 books34 followersRaymond Charles Stedman was an evangelical Christian pastor and author. He was a long-time pastor of Peninsula Bible Church in Palo Alto, California, and author of several books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
February 22, 2017
Stedman's look at Job makes a complex, ancient book easier to understand while also bringing applications right into the world we live in with clear, passionate statements of truth (that I couldn't stop marking).
He uses an interesting approach. "Let God Be God" includes almost the entire text of the book of Job. Stedman will give you a full passage (from the NIV), then give a paragraph or so that's essentially a paraphrase of what you just read, with introductions such as "Job uses beautiful poetic language to ..." or "Here, Elihu promises to ..." The Bible passages and Stedman's explanations of what they are saying are interspersed with applications, illustrations and other Scripture. It's effective.
Stedman is respectful on topics where scholars disagree. He tells you what side he takes, and why, but acknowledges that others have come to different conclusions.
He gave a really intriguing theory about the creatures named "behemoth" and "leviathan" near the end of God's discourse to Job. Most people I've read either name these as animals we know or say that because their descriptions don't correspond fully to an animal we know, they must refer to animals that are now extinct. Stedman argues they are symbolic representations of attacks from within (our own sinful nature) and attacks from without (the world's way of living separate from God). I'm no scholar and I'm sure I've barely scratched the surface of books out there about Job, so I won't venture an opinion! But it's interesting that in six or seven books, this is the first time I've heard this idea. Most everyone else assumes some kind of real animal goes with the very vivid physical descriptions in these chapters. Definitely something to think and read more about.
Stedman, like most others, pulls out some major truths we can cling to in times of deep grief and pain: God is ever-present, He is all-powerful, He is always at work for the good of His children. Along with these, I appreciated his reminder about the other side of things.
Stedman is discussing how God granted permission for Satan to test Job, but set a boundary on the interaction. "We must understand that Satan is a rebel. What does he care about God's rules? He'd break them in a heartbeat if he could - but he can't! ... The Lord is sovereign, and even Satan must acknowledge God's authority to set limits on his activity."
He also acknowledges that our awareness of Satanic work in Job's life could prove to make us fearful about what's going on behind the scenes in our own lives. "All I can say is this: Don't worry about things you can't control. ... It's true - if Satan had his way, he would destroy each of us. He would wreck our joy, slash our faith, and fill us with every grief and pain imaginable. ... Our attitude should be, Oh Lord, thank You for the blessings You've given me. Help me to appreciate them while they are mine and to release them when the time comes to let go. ... Whatever You choose to do or allow in my life, I will never let go of you."
I am finding broad agreement among scholars and commentators that Job's friends weren't entirely wrong in some of the things they said about God. Instead, they were wrong to, first, insist that one way God sometimes acts is the only way He acts and, second, to claim they could pinpoint the cause of Job's situation, of which they only saw the surface. "This is how a lot of error creeps into our interpretation of Scripture. We evangelical Christians readily cite Scripture in support of our doctrinal beliefs, and our beliefs may be perfectly true, but when we try to apply them from a false or incomplete premise, we end up turning God's truth into an ugly falsehood."
I don't fully understand yet where Job went wrong in his agonizing cries to God. Clearly, God is challenging Him at the end to see a much bigger view of Himself. And Job repents for his (proud? narrow? defiant?) statements, after hearing from God. But God also says Job spoke right about him while his three friends didn't. Stedman argues that God was silent until Job finally fell silent, stopped defending himself and insisting on his right to be heard. But he also says this: "God permitted Job to boldly, even angrily, question Him. Though He did point out to Job that his human understanding was flawed and limited, God never reprimanded Job or punished him for asking tough, painful questions about suffering. Instead, God's displeasure was reserved for Job's so-called comforters, three people who try to provide simplistic answers to life's tough questions ..."
I have to think about this more, too. Was God's reprimand to Job about his questions? Did He allow the testing to expand Job's view of Him? Was it more about correction? Are correction/expansion the same thing, or does one imply error and the other incompleteness? Are we to consider anything but joy and acceptance of God's difficult working in our lives a sin? I don't understand all this yet.
The matter of comforting well also comes up in most books you read about Job. I liked one of Stedman's descriptions of how to not be one of "Job's comforters."
"It's easy to offer simplistic answers to our suffering friends. But it takes courage and honesty to admit that there are no easy answers to the problem of pain. It takes genuine love to stand by people when they are suffering, to simply be present with them instead of offering a lot of empty platitudes or self-righteous accusations about hidden sin."
I keep swiping through the photos on my phone and finding more pages/paragraphs that I snapped to save. Stedman's take on Job will be with you long after you read it - and that's a good thing.
He uses an interesting approach. "Let God Be God" includes almost the entire text of the book of Job. Stedman will give you a full passage (from the NIV), then give a paragraph or so that's essentially a paraphrase of what you just read, with introductions such as "Job uses beautiful poetic language to ..." or "Here, Elihu promises to ..." The Bible passages and Stedman's explanations of what they are saying are interspersed with applications, illustrations and other Scripture. It's effective.
Stedman is respectful on topics where scholars disagree. He tells you what side he takes, and why, but acknowledges that others have come to different conclusions.
He gave a really intriguing theory about the creatures named "behemoth" and "leviathan" near the end of God's discourse to Job. Most people I've read either name these as animals we know or say that because their descriptions don't correspond fully to an animal we know, they must refer to animals that are now extinct. Stedman argues they are symbolic representations of attacks from within (our own sinful nature) and attacks from without (the world's way of living separate from God). I'm no scholar and I'm sure I've barely scratched the surface of books out there about Job, so I won't venture an opinion! But it's interesting that in six or seven books, this is the first time I've heard this idea. Most everyone else assumes some kind of real animal goes with the very vivid physical descriptions in these chapters. Definitely something to think and read more about.
Stedman, like most others, pulls out some major truths we can cling to in times of deep grief and pain: God is ever-present, He is all-powerful, He is always at work for the good of His children. Along with these, I appreciated his reminder about the other side of things.
Stedman is discussing how God granted permission for Satan to test Job, but set a boundary on the interaction. "We must understand that Satan is a rebel. What does he care about God's rules? He'd break them in a heartbeat if he could - but he can't! ... The Lord is sovereign, and even Satan must acknowledge God's authority to set limits on his activity."
He also acknowledges that our awareness of Satanic work in Job's life could prove to make us fearful about what's going on behind the scenes in our own lives. "All I can say is this: Don't worry about things you can't control. ... It's true - if Satan had his way, he would destroy each of us. He would wreck our joy, slash our faith, and fill us with every grief and pain imaginable. ... Our attitude should be, Oh Lord, thank You for the blessings You've given me. Help me to appreciate them while they are mine and to release them when the time comes to let go. ... Whatever You choose to do or allow in my life, I will never let go of you."
I am finding broad agreement among scholars and commentators that Job's friends weren't entirely wrong in some of the things they said about God. Instead, they were wrong to, first, insist that one way God sometimes acts is the only way He acts and, second, to claim they could pinpoint the cause of Job's situation, of which they only saw the surface. "This is how a lot of error creeps into our interpretation of Scripture. We evangelical Christians readily cite Scripture in support of our doctrinal beliefs, and our beliefs may be perfectly true, but when we try to apply them from a false or incomplete premise, we end up turning God's truth into an ugly falsehood."
I don't fully understand yet where Job went wrong in his agonizing cries to God. Clearly, God is challenging Him at the end to see a much bigger view of Himself. And Job repents for his (proud? narrow? defiant?) statements, after hearing from God. But God also says Job spoke right about him while his three friends didn't. Stedman argues that God was silent until Job finally fell silent, stopped defending himself and insisting on his right to be heard. But he also says this: "God permitted Job to boldly, even angrily, question Him. Though He did point out to Job that his human understanding was flawed and limited, God never reprimanded Job or punished him for asking tough, painful questions about suffering. Instead, God's displeasure was reserved for Job's so-called comforters, three people who try to provide simplistic answers to life's tough questions ..."
I have to think about this more, too. Was God's reprimand to Job about his questions? Did He allow the testing to expand Job's view of Him? Was it more about correction? Are correction/expansion the same thing, or does one imply error and the other incompleteness? Are we to consider anything but joy and acceptance of God's difficult working in our lives a sin? I don't understand all this yet.
The matter of comforting well also comes up in most books you read about Job. I liked one of Stedman's descriptions of how to not be one of "Job's comforters."
"It's easy to offer simplistic answers to our suffering friends. But it takes courage and honesty to admit that there are no easy answers to the problem of pain. It takes genuine love to stand by people when they are suffering, to simply be present with them instead of offering a lot of empty platitudes or self-righteous accusations about hidden sin."
I keep swiping through the photos on my phone and finding more pages/paragraphs that I snapped to save. Stedman's take on Job will be with you long after you read it - and that's a good thing.
May 14, 2025
3.5 STARS
a good commentary on the book of Job.
Nothing profound, but I did enjoy that every chapter began with either a personal story or historical narrative that ties with the theme of the chapter! It evoked further compassion and softened the heart when discussing the difficult topic of suffering. The epilogue was also a great tie up/overview of the lessons found in Job.
a good commentary on the book of Job.
Nothing profound, but I did enjoy that every chapter began with either a personal story or historical narrative that ties with the theme of the chapter! It evoked further compassion and softened the heart when discussing the difficult topic of suffering. The epilogue was also a great tie up/overview of the lessons found in Job.
March 13, 2022
The text in this book is taking from sermons by the author, making it a fantastic book to read alongside the Book of Job. I appreciated the insights into the Biblical text, as well as the discussion about how we can apply Job's suffering and what God teaches him to our own lives.
December 4, 2011
This book on the Book of Job is excellent. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting to understand what Job is really all about. Stedman takes the reader chapter by chapter through the book but it doesn't feel dry, dull, or like one is wading through quicksand. He makes it engaging and relatable. Stedman does a masterful job of making the reader get something out of the story of JOb for themselves, there are so many applicable points, so many things to take note of and assimilate into one's own life from the story of Job. I appreciated this commentary on Job, it provided me with rich insight.
September 13, 2024
This is an adequate commentary on Job. It has a few interpretations that seem off to me, but it will help you sort through this difficult to traverse book. I much preferred Calvin's commentary on Job. But Stedman captures the essence of the three "friends" of Job as faulty theology mixed with some truths about God. He has a good take on Eliphaz and correctly identifies God's silence on his discourse, indicating at least no disagreement. But a few points of dusagreement: Stedman interprets Job's wife as encouraging suicide but I think that is going beyond Scripture. I believe she simply was telling him that since God has already cursed you, go ahead and finish it off by cursing God yourself and accept death and end this suffering. Later, Stedman takes issue with Bildad's comparison of man with a worm. Stedman says that the Word of God never makes this comparison and, instead, says God views us as "creatures if worth and value." But in Psalm 22:6, the pre-existent Messiah declares, "I am a worm and not a man!" And Isaiah 41:14 calls Jacob a worm. There are many verses that reveal the total depravity of man and even Christ revealed that when taking on our flesh and bearing our sins He rightly described OUR state! Later, when discussing Job's understanding of creation, he comments that Job understood that God "suspends the earth over nothing." But immediately contradicts himself by bringing up the idea that primitive man believed the earth was a flat disk resting on the backs of animals. Job was certainly primitive - yes, some unthinkinking and godless people imagined all these strange beliefs about the world, but God taught a remnant the truth, and Scripture records that truth. Finally, Stedman concludes that Behemoth and Leviathan are mythical creatures and represent the evil world system. Stedman has not thus far referred to any other passages as symbolic, so why now begin this interpretation? The clear description of these creatures, including physical features and physical touch, calls for a simple literal interpretation. Just because we can not match these creatures with creatures living today does not mean they once existed. Actually, there are many historical writings that mention dragon like creatures and dinosaurs existing with men. So, all in all, it's a good book with only those few caveats.
May 21, 2025
I first read this book on Job in 2008. My sister was battling cancer and died at a younger age than what was average for our family.
This is my third rereading of this book since then, with the book of Job in hand as I read and I’m still seeing new insights into my life as a believer in Jesus and in my relationship with God, my Creator.
If you have experienced suffering(if you’re human you have), and have received Christ as Savior this book will deepen your understanding of our struggles on earth, the depth of our sin nature, and the mercy, grace, and forgiveness given to us by God through Jesus.
This is my third rereading of this book since then, with the book of Job in hand as I read and I’m still seeing new insights into my life as a believer in Jesus and in my relationship with God, my Creator.
If you have experienced suffering(if you’re human you have), and have received Christ as Savior this book will deepen your understanding of our struggles on earth, the depth of our sin nature, and the mercy, grace, and forgiveness given to us by God through Jesus.
April 24, 2020
Doing a study on Job felt especially needed during this time. This book focused on the aspect of God removing the tenuous things we depend on from our lives in order for us to recognize that we all are wholly dependent on him. Being good and God-fearing as Job was does not mean you will be safe and protected. Job's friends were so rough on him simply because what he was enduring did not fit with their worldview - in fact, they were afraid and they were shaken, too. This was simply the way they responded to that fear and change.
January 3, 2026
The book of Job quickly became one of my favorite books in the Old Testament. This companion read, help decipher the messaging and meaning behind the ancient Biblical text. I enjoyed this read, and the life examples throughout that helped drive the meaning behind the scriptures. My journey with God is not new, but it helped me realize that my journey, obedience, repentance and suffering are all through Him. My understanding of the works of our Lord and Savior are varied, but we each have an opportunity to right our wrongs and live a life meant for learning & growing.
March 8, 2023
This book contained what was essentially a commentary of the book of Job without feeling like it. The author tied in relatable stories, quotes, other verses etc. and really made Job make sense to an every day person. Very clearly answers and explains the age old question of why ‘bad things happen to good people’ A great read for people dealing with a grief journey, or simply wanting to know how to walk a friend through such a season. 4.5 stars
March 23, 2018
Adapted from a series of the author’s sermons, this is a good, solid introduction to the biblical book of Job in straight-forward, “layman’s” terms. This is not a commentary and does not delve into scholarly arguments or deep textual exploration, but is rather an excellent general primer on Job, written by a pastor, to the everyday Christian.
February 3, 2023
For me, the book of Job was one of the hardest to read in the Bible. This book walks you through each chapter explaining why Job had to experience it, why his friends had to go through it, why his family had to endure all the harship. By the time you get to the end, you begin to see the beauty in it all. Then you long to have such a faith as Job.
November 17, 2019
Well-written and covers the entire book of Job which is a blessing. Doesn’t go incredibly deep but covers it well. Definitely meditates on the fact that there is more than meets the eye when we suffer and if we suffer well we are honoring the Lord and fighting that heavenly battle against Satan.
March 20, 2021
Wow! I have never understood Job this well before. Ray Steadman’s insight, especially throughout the middle section of the friends, has helped me apply Job’s teachings more thoroughly. We used this book in our home group and some said it was the best study we’ve ever done.
February 23, 2024
I am giving it 5..though it probably deserves 4.6
This boom will challenge you on what you think Job is about...it will challenge you in your theology...it took me forever ( it only took my son less than a .month)
I highly recommend mature Christians delve into this book.
This boom will challenge you on what you think Job is about...it will challenge you in your theology...it took me forever ( it only took my son less than a .month)
I highly recommend mature Christians delve into this book.
May 26, 2017
A really helpful chapter=by-chapter look at the book Job.
September 4, 2017
Great perspective for anyone undergoing trials. Job lost more than most of us can imagine and learned to trust and honor God in his trials.
June 29, 2018
Explanations of scripture were very helpful.
December 1, 2018
Wonderful little sermon series that covered the difficult Book of Job and its themes which addresses the questions of why God allows affliction in our lives.
January 12, 2019
One of the best books I have read, as I was reading this book it was like I was reading about myself, Ray Stedman knew how minister
July 12, 2019
A thorough and thought-provoking study of the book of Job.
January 14, 2022
A good commentary on a sometimes difficult book of the Bible to digest and apply. Good daily applications that helped change my perspective and encourage me.
March 28, 2022
Best book on Job I've read.
Best book on Job I've read. Great detailed study verse by verse on Job. Great insight and wisdom. I highly recommend it.
Best book on Job I've read. Great detailed study verse by verse on Job. Great insight and wisdom. I highly recommend it.
June 12, 2023
It is a different perspective on the book of Job
May 8, 2024
Outstanding exposition on the book of Job, and the topic of suffering - in particular, where is God in our human suffering? I learned so much from this book and I found it very helpful.
July 5, 2024
This book changed my life for the better. I changed my perspective and corrected false doctrine I was taught.
Increased my faith 10x
Increased my faith 10x
March 16, 2025
This is an excellent study of the book of Job. I would recommend it for anyone for that reason alone, but it is also an encouragement for any christian who feels they are in a period of trials.
October 25, 2025
Excellent commentary on the book of Job! Thorough, yet accessible. Highly recommend reading this slowly and discussing in a small group setting.
March 22, 2021
3.5-4 stars. This book was very informative, though I didn’t find it transformative the way I’d hoped. It was dense with detailed and good information.
April 4, 2014
This is the best commentary on the book of Job that I have read. The author gets down to why certain things were said and the results of those sayings. If you are going through a time of depression, I recommend this book to you. You may realize that your suffering is not to the extreme of Job's suffering. It also shows you that God is not ignorant of what you are suffering. I learned a quote at one time that I have kept with me to be used in helping others. 'Be kind to everyone, because everyone is having a tough time. When we get our eyes off ourselves and our sufferings and put them on the Lord and His will in the life of others, then instead of criticizing others, we can then help others.
April 21, 2013
This book sat on my shelf for several weeks. I wanted to read it, but Job is tough, and I wasn't mentally ready for the depressing subject matter.
However, Let God Be God is far from depressing. It's the best exposition on the Book of Job that I've read, and better than any sermon I've ever heard preached on the subject. It helped me understand the story, circumstances, themes, and lessons of this difficult Biblical book, and helped me deal with serious issues in my life at that time.
I've given this book to family members, recommended it to friends, and will re-read it on occasion.
However, Let God Be God is far from depressing. It's the best exposition on the Book of Job that I've read, and better than any sermon I've ever heard preached on the subject. It helped me understand the story, circumstances, themes, and lessons of this difficult Biblical book, and helped me deal with serious issues in my life at that time.
I've given this book to family members, recommended it to friends, and will re-read it on occasion.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews