Bible with Brandi Week 39 – Job, chapters 11-14

What happens when the Lord uses the mouth of your accuser to bless you?

In this week’s reading of Job, we see one of Job’s accusers speak about the goodness that would come to a man who turned away from wickedness and sought God. Zophar believes Job is guilty, so he has no idea that he is actually speaking words that will ultimately describe the goodness God brings to Job.

Here is a portion of his words: “If you would prepare your heart, and stretch out your hands to Him; If iniquity were in your hand and you put it far away, and would not let wickedness dwell in your tents, Then surely you could lift up your face without spot; yes, you could be steadfast and not fear, Because you would forget your misery, and remember it as waters that have passed away, and your life would be brighter than noonday.

Though you were dark, you would be like morning, And you would be secure, because there is hope; Yes, you would dig around you, and take your rest in safety. You would also lie down, and no one would make you afraid; Yes, many would court your favor.” —Job 11:13–19

Isn’t that fascinating?

Zophar was convinced that Job’s suffering was the result of sin. He was looking at Job’s circumstances and drawing the wrong conclusion. But in the middle of his accusation, he spoke something that would again become true of Job.

Job would prepare his heart and stretch out his hands to God. He would come through the darkness. He would again have hope. He would rest in safety. His misery would become something in the past—“waters that have passed away.” And ultimately, God would restore him. This was the state of Job both before ha satan was permitted to sift him and after God restored him. Job was never the wicked man Zophar imagined him to be. His suffering was not evidence of hidden sin or God’s judgment.

What strikes me is that even when someone is speaking against us, God is not limited by their intentions. Zophar intended his words as an accusation, but God was sovereign enough to use those very words to speak of what He would do in Job’s life.

Sometimes the words meant to wound us become words God uses to remind us of who He is and what He is doing. The enemy may have intended Job’s suffering for destruction. His friends may have misunderstood him and spoken against him. But God was still writing the story.

God does not need everyone to understand what He is doing in order to accomplish what He has promised. Even the words of an accuser can be turned in His hands. God is still God—even in the middle of the accusation, the misunderstanding, and the darkness.