Job 35-36
A look at Elihu’s message to Job and the idea that God often speaks most clearly in difficult times. This post encourages readers not to fear hardship but to pause, listen, and discover the strength God builds through struggle.
Summary
Elihu tells Job that God doesn’t owe him anything for NOT sinning. Whether someone is righteous or not, it doesn’t impact God; it impacts our fellow humans. People cry out to God when they are in trouble, but they don’t appreciate all that He does for us. According to Elihu, God will not answer evil people because they are too proud. He will not listen if you say you don’t see Him, and that you expect Him to punish those that do wrong.
In his speech to Job, Elihu continues to lecture about God’s power. He somewhat mirrors what Job’s friends have been saying in that God will listen to those who obey and serve Him. God will save suffering people by their suffering. He gets them to listen through their pain. The Lord will tell you what you did wrong if you listen. Elihu states that wealth and great strength will not keep you from distress. Remember to praise God for all that He has given us (e.g., He created rain that pours down from clouds that ultimately gives us food).
Sidebar
Elihu undoubtedly captures God’s wisdom, power, and generosity with absolute accuracy; however, like the friends that spoke before him, Elihu incorrectly assumes that Job’s intense suffering was clear proof that Job has sinned. Elihu sees Job’s self-righteousness and rebellion as his sin. We, as the reader, know from Job 1-2, that Job has done nothing wrong to deserve punishment or suffering.
One line that stuck out to me was “He delivers the afflicted by their affliction, and opens their ear by adversity.” [Job 36:15]. Even though Elihu misreads Job’s situation, this line is profound in that “adversity” can become a revelation. Sometimes when we go through hardships, we really start to understand what is important. We hear what God is telling us, and we stop focusing on things that don’t matter.
I keep thinking about how upside‑down that sounds in a world obsessed with comfort and quick fixes. We want out of the hard thing, but God often meets us in the hard thing. The very pressure or anxiety we’re trying to escape becomes the place where our ears finally open and our character finally builds. It’s not that God delights in our pain — it’s that He uses pain to strengthen us. We can learn and grow from affliction and adversity. And somehow, in the middle of what we never wanted, God gives us what we most needed: Himself. Just listen!
Intention
Don’t be afraid of challenges and adversity. In those difficult moments, take some time to pray or meditate. In those quiet moments, you may finally hear what God is trying to tell you.
