All [Job’s] brothers and sisters and everyone who had known him before came and ate with him in his house. They comforted and consoled him over all the trouble the LORD had brought upon him, and each one gave him a piece of silver and a gold ring. — Job 42:11
In Job 42:11, God has finished speaking to Job, Job’s friends were rebuked by God and prayed for by Job, and we assume that Job’s health has been restored. Weeks, maybe months have passed since the Lord had given Satan permission to ruin Job without reason.
Finally Job’s friends and family show up.
Here’s my question: Where were they before? Why did they take so long to arrive on the scene?
And here’s the answer: God didn’t want them there any earlier. If they had arrived any earlier, they would have muddied the waters, and messed up God’s plan.
God is not asleep, even if everyone else is. Your needs have not escaped his attention. Your suffering has not been forgotten. Comfort and relief are coming. They will arrive exactly on time.
Be encouraged!
Dwight
Dwight Clough is the author of four Christian books and is an active member of Lake City Church in Madison. This devotional is also available via email and you may review the archives back to 2002. To contact Dwight or Kim, use their contact form. You may also support their ministry.