After the LORD had spoken these words to Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite: “My anger burns against you and against your two friends, for you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has.
-Job 42:7 ESV

Warrior;

Do you know what the word of God says about suffering and struggles on this planet? Do you know why God allows Good things to happen to bad people and Bad things to happen to good people? For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. (Matt 5:45) Job’s three friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, have historically been known for offering lengthy speeches that basically blamed Job for being “punished’ by God. Job himself told them they weren’t much help: “You are miserable comforters, all of you!” (Job 16:2).

Leader, have you been like Job’s friends? Consider, as ‘off base’ as they were, they did do three things right. First, they came to him when he was suffering. Second, they empathized with him: “they began to weep aloud, and they tore their robes and sprinkled dust on their heads” (verse 12). Third, they spent time with him. In v13 we are told they were with him for seven days before they offered their advice. They commiserated with their friend in silence. (Job 2:11-13)

Conduit, is your blessed life keeping you from seeing God’s hands in others struggles? What type of friend are you when others are going through the pains and struggles of life? We should not assume that troubles are the sure sign of God’s judgment Instead of telling a hurting person to get a financial adviser or to take a look at sin in their life- (when we do not know the reason for the suffering)- we can join together and encourage a friend to endure faithfully, knowing God sees our pain and GOD HAS A PURPOSE- for His glory!