Job 5:8–9: “But as for me [Eliphaz], I would seek God, / And to God I would commit my cause— / Who does great things, and unsearchable, / Marvelous things without number.”

November 30th, 2023 by Pastor Ed in devotional

Eliphaz began to praise God’s goodness, and his description of God would have been a good one if he weren’t also using it to point a finger at Job. He gave Job some good advice when he told Job to seek God, but this statement by Job’s “friend” was really just an accusation. He was saying in effect, “Suffering doesn’t just happen, Job; there must be sin in your life.” But let’s focus on the positive in Eliphaz’s words. We do all need to look for and find meaning and purpose in all that God allows to come our way. When suffering, it is all too easy to become trapped in bitterness.

So far 2 questions have already been answered with regard to suffering. Can we avoid suffering? No, even the godly will have trials and suffering in their lives. How should we respond to suffering? Accept it, worship while you mourn, and don’t allow yourself to become trapped in bitterness.

In Thailand, when an elephant is captured, an iron band connected to a heavy chain is placed around the elephant’s foot. The other end of the chain is secured to a large tree. At first, the elephant lifts its leg and pulls, trying with all its strength to break the chain or uproot the tree, but nothing happens. An elephant will try this day after day until it finally gives up. After this, whenever the powerful animal lifts its leg and feels even the slightest tension, it will drop its foot back to the ground in complete submission. It’s then easy to control the huge animal by chaining it just to a small stake. With minimal effort, the elephant could easily pull out the stake and run free, but it doesn’t try because it believes it can never break free. People also become imprisoned simply because they perceive freedom to be impossible. God wants us to conquer events rather than be conquered by them.

“LORD, we need You to help us stay pliable in Your hands. We chose to trust You even through the hard times.”