Job - Bible Study Book: A Story of Unlikely Joy - Bible Study Book

by Lisa Harper

Joy is the constant companion of the woman who trusts in the Lord. And while you can find it in friends, family, and circumstances, unfailing, persistent joy will only ever overflow from your relationship with Jesus. Just ask Job, the man from Uz who clung to God’s goodness while all his worldly joys were stripped away. But how is it possible to hold onto such joy in times of sorrow? In this 7-session study, discover the redemptive facet of Job’s suffering. Learn to view pain as a way to strengthen your faith, point others to the gospel, and trust in the Lord. Because His providence will never take you to a place where His grace will not sustain you. 

Genres: Christian, Nonfiction, Christian Non Fiction, Faith, Christianity, Spirituality, Religion

160 pages, Paperback

Published July 2, 2018

About the author

Lisa Harper is a hilarious storyteller and theological scholar―a gifted communicator whose writing and speaking overflows with colorful, pop-culture references that connect the dots between the Bible era and modern life. “Her God-given ability to not merely teach the Word but package it in a way that stirs the heart and calls to action is incomparable” says Priscilla Shirer. For six years Lisa served as the director of Focus on the Family's national women's ministry where she created the popular Renewing the Heart conferences. The next six years found her serving on the local level as the women's ministry director at a large church in Nashville. As the author of eleven books, and a Masters of Theological Studies with honors from Covenant Seminary, she is now a sought-after Bible teacher and speaker. Lisa was on the Women of Faith national arena tour and speaks at many other large events as well as at hundreds of churches all over the world. Lisa describes her greatest accomplishment to date as getting to be Missy’s mama.

Reviews

[Donna Craig · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t really feel challenged or surprised at any point in this book. It’s more of a support for people who are hurting.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Lisa Harper! Our Bible study has done all of her studies that I am aware of. For our group, this study was a bit of a challenge in that it seems to be aimed at people who are going through or have gone through, something horrific. Most of us don't fall into that category. The video sessions were great. I think we all learned how to be a better friend to someone who is dealing with something terrible. The challenge for us was in trying to do the homework. I found I didn't really have answers for many questions since nothing that big was going on. Praise God for that, but it did make the homework less useful.

[Nikelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m new to Bible Study Guides, but have enjoyed the kind that ask a lot of questions, both obvious and deep thinking. The ones I have previously done have a lot of questions to help you think and make connections, but this one only had personal questions and a lot of storytelling. Maybe it’s the nature of Job, but I just didn’t enjoy the questions in this guide. I did enjoy studying Job though. The videos were great, love Lisa’s humor.

[Bess · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was offered free on Life way so l decided to do it. It my first Bible Study of Lisa Harper's and it was better in some ways than l expected it to be. I had previously read another book of hers that was not great. On a positive note, It didn’t answer the “why’s “ of suffering, as much of answering a much more important question- what God does with the inevitable suffering that comes from living in a fallen world, that it is a conduit for a true and lasting Joy in Him, found only in Him. This is far more important than understanding why. I came away from it with a better understanding of The Book of Job in the Bible, in some ways. I have mixed feelings regarding Lisa Harper's teaching.
Edit to say while there was some good material in this book, overall l will avoid her studies bc l don’t support the company she keeps, l don’t believe she consistently is obedient to God’s Word and in looking again at this study and others of hers l see a lot of “Lisa” and less of God. I think she engages her listeners more by her engaging personality than she does by a solid focus on The Word of God.

[Caren · Rating 5 out of 5]

highlight on page 85 - In view of our perfect heavenly Father, who gives good gifts to His children, even our deepest disappointments will ultimately prove to be simple gatekeepers for future delight. No matter how hard its raining in our lives now, it's really only a thimble full of liquid compared to the vast ocean of God's sovereignty. And may we not forget that in the divine template of eternity, this too shall pass.

[Sandy Frykholm · Rating 2 out of 5]

I struggled with this study--which contains far more personal reflection from Lisa Harper than actual study of Job. Might be a better study for someone with more experience of suffering than I have had.

[PollyAnna Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything Lisa Harper does is filled with evidence of her love and passion for Christ as well as her Biblical knowledge. Her Job Bible study is no different. We took a really long time to get through this study, yes, but you have to keep in mind that we dealt with a global pandemic that kept us from meeting for almost two full years. It's wonderful seeing how Job is a story of joy, no matter how unlikely that joy is!

[Alessandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this bible study ! Was a great way to start off the fall with our women’s group.

[Skylar Merrill · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one wasn’t bad! 3 stars because
1. I feel like more of the authors personal life was talked about than Job
2. I didn’t feel very challenged by most of the questions she asked or points she made.
Overall a great reminder of how to remain faithful in hard times!

[ME · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a study you get every day... Job. It's a good one. This was my first experience with Harper and I really liked her style. There was one particular week where I took issue with her tone a bit, which I felt might have revealed some latent bitterness and came across as particularly harsh and lacking grace (To me, even a bad comforter is better than NO comforter. At least they care enough to show up.) Otherwise, I really enjoyed her straight forward speaking style, and her ability to poke fun at herself, all while hitting us where it hurts. The book study itself has a fresh approach that bucks the traditional five day format, and includes a lot of good supplemental information, and, mostly insightful questions (rather than the typical "how did it make you feel when...") The study questions actually required you to do some hard self-examination, and they stimulated some really good discussion for my group. Some of the group work seemed rather silly, but our group did not do those and I would guess few would. All in all a good study.

[Stacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did this study with my ladies Bible study group at church. We had just finished an exhaustive study of Hebrews (by Jen Wilkin) and it took me quite a bit to adjust to the style and teaching in this one. I admit, it was likely my poor attitude, but I struggled quite a bit at the beginning and into the middle of the study, but by the end I was glad I had done it (isn't that always the way it is!). Job - a story of unlikely joy. Job is a difficult book to read, difficult to study and confronts the age old question of why does God allow suffering, pain and trials, especially to "good" people or people of faith. At the end of the day, it all boils down to this one fact - God is all we need. He Is Enough. He never leaves us during times of trials, when in fact, most of the time during the really hard times, He ends up carrying us. I must always remember to seek his abiding presence and remember that seeking answers to my feeble questions (as Job did) is not the point - He is. God was there, with Job, God is there, with me. And for that truth, I am immensely humbled and grateful.

The back of the book says this " Pain is inevitable. It may range in intensity from temporary inconvenience to terminal inevitability, but regardless, you can't avoid it. In the pages of the Old Testament we find Job, a good and godly man, who suffered devastating loss. His plight seemed unfair. His comforters became critics. His questions went unanswered. Yet in the midst of the darkness, light peeked through, hope stayed the course, and unlikely joy emerged".

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Decent Bible study that does the Book of Job. I enjoyed her insight, but not all the questions for MY insight helped. I honestly answered many as not applying to me, or did not know. But, again, the background into the characters, and scripture of this study had me thinking about my OWN questions, and helping me to answer those. I did not use the videos, as I was doing this on my own with two friends, and did not want to have the extra expense. Perhaps the videos would have helped with those questions I could not answer. This is a seven week session, but the last week is actually a review of the rest of the study. It reviews the videos, which I did not do, but I still got something out of the review. Good study which helped me with a book of the Bible that has a lot packed into it. Do recommend for those doing it with a bunch of folks, or with a small group. Or, even if you wish to do it alone.

[Linda Sloan · Rating 5 out of 5]

You may think you understand Job, but this makes it clear and personal that we can be righteous but need God's intervention if we are going to be more like Jesus. Pride was Job's downfall and most of ours. But our great God molds us and calls us through suffering because He wants us to "be confirmed to the image of His Son." When Job sees who he is and who God is , he shuts his mouth! And we are not left there but put back together with such love and skill! I love Job chapter 26. God describes who He is and then it says this is just the fringe and whisper of Him. Creation is a little touch of how great He is! That gives me so much more faith in Him.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished a 7 week journey with a group of strong women through the book of Job and this study. Wow. SO MUCH GOOD STUFF in Job-- I had no idea!! I loved taking it chapter by chapter and learning about God and about suffering and about true faith. When you get to an end of a Bible study and can say that it didn't just fill you with new information, but it also transformed you-- you know it was all God and it was a good study. Thank you Ms. Harper for continuing to respond to God's calling on your life to write Bible Studies.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This study was so worth it. Lisa Harper is a gifted speaker and writer. She shares her heart and soul with those she teaches, making her stories very engaging and interesting. She uses a lot of scripture to back up what she is teaching and asks her readers to examine their own stories as well. I found her teaching to be Biblically sound and I enjoyed her homework from the study guide. I thought the questions were well thought out and caused our study group to dig deeper. How we all approach struggles that come to us in life should be improved after this study.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did this 7 session video study with Lifeway. This is an intense study of Job. I really loved the videos and encourage you to get them! There are going to be hardships and trials in life. That is our sinful nature. Harper shares Job's story, her story and then in depth questions, we are to answer, on our story. No matter what we go through, we have the ultimate joy at the end. Pain does have a divine purpose. God gets our attention with hardship.

[Stefanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

No doubt Lisa Harper is gifted and her vulnerability is amazing. I did find some of the questions in the book repetitive and I also prefer fewer personal illustrations. That, along with some other minor personal preferences about Bible studies made this study just OK for me. I did this alone; perhaps community would have made it better. I did come away with new knowledge and new ways to think about suffering, so it was still very much worth it.

[Kitty Arceneaux · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book enlightened the story of Job. I read this with a small group and we had the video to go along with the book. It was a realization of what God expects of us and how He moves in our lives during hard times.
It offers you a better understanding of Job and it helps you to understand 'Joy' in the midst of all hurt and pain. Great book for a small group setting. She definitely brings the story of Job alive

[Martha DBRASS · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this Bible Study. I have never studied JOB in such depth. If you are struggling with hardships or wondering the proverbial "Why?" question, this Bible Study if for you. Most recently, I have had to deal with my husband diagnosis. He is such a great man, why did he have to get this disease? This Bible Study has helped me come to terms with my Loving God. I can live without the answers, but I cannot live without God's presence in my life.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm new to Lisa Harper but I absolutely love her style of writing. She takes some of the most difficult issues in the Bible and brings them to life in a way that is easy to understand. In this study about Job she truly shows how we can open ourselves up to God through our suffering which almost always leads to new understandings. I am looking forward to reading more by Lisa Harper.

[Cathy Grahame · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lisa Harper has been through unbelievable heartbreak and hardship in her life. In her Bible Study Job she goes through in fine detail how Job addressed suffering in the Bible and how we can learn from his humanity and loyalty for God even through horrible suffering. Lisa is amazing with the way she tells the stories of her suffering without attacking, but with God's love.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. At first I was a little "iffy" on whether or not I would like it. But I was pleasantly surprised. You definitely need to watch the videos with the series. It is 100% worth it. Lifeway does a lot of the studies online as well. I encourage everyone to read this beautiful take on a classic timeless truth, Job.

[Cherish Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

(5☆ Would recommend & would read again)
I used this with the videos that go along with it. To be honest, Job is one of the stories in the Bible that I have always struggled with. I always had such a hard time deciphering what Job's friends were saying. I love how Lisa Harper breaks down the book of Job in a way that is easy to understand.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always wanted to dive in deeper to the book of Job. It was my late mom's favorite book and I never understood why. Lisa has a great presentation style, and she keeps things real. She also brings up some great points I never caught reading Job.

[Chanover55 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa Harper has done it again! I loved this study of Job. While I have read the Biblical story several times, it never occurred to me it was a book of joy. If you like Lisa Harper, dive into this study, well worth it!

[Melissa Reagan Love · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those looking for a "hands on" bible study that will make you think & reflect, and really work, look no further. Excellent study in suffering, how to deal with life's hardships through Scripture, and finding peace. Absolutely recommend!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent Bible study with real life applications! Be sure to watch the videos that go along with the book to the very end. There are fantastic interviews with real life "Jobs" at the end of each one!

[Helen Nichole · Rating 1 out of 5]

I hate to rate Bible studies because I do feel like you get out of them what you put into them but this one was one I would not recommend. The study very much so is more of a study of the trials and triumphs of the author than a study of Job.

[Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

I throughly enjoy the videos accompanying Harper’s study. But the study book itself is so full of stories that pertain no direct relation to the scripture being discussed that it’s nearly impossible to actually follow and read the book.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this study and the video program by Lisa Harper. Great truths about what Job went through and how we can apply them to our lives.