The Next Thing

Job 39

Monday, June 1, 2026 | Beth Grace

The Lord continues answering Job in chapter 39, reminding him of His authority and supremacy through the mysteries of creation. God continually points Job back to what truly matters—not temporary relief from pain, but trust in the One who is over all things. “But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death” (James 1:14–15).

Even if I can explain how an eagle soars or describe the process of a deer giving birth, I do not have the power to make those things happen. God does. His wisdom is perfect, His creativity astounding, and He is always at work in every detail of creation. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10).

If we lived in a world without suffering, we would not long for heaven or seek the Lord as deeply. I am thankful that I serve a God who is not threatened by my questions or weaknesses. “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18).

Elisabeth Elliot understood suffering deeply. After her husband, Jim Elliot, and four other missionaries were killed while sharing the gospel in Ecuador, Elisabeth and her daughter continued ministering to the very people who had killed him. She later wrote, “The deepest things that I have learned in my own life come from the deepest suffering.”

In Job 39, God does not directly answer Job’s questions. Instead, He reminds Job that He alone is Lord. He is in control, He has a purpose, and His plans can always be trusted.