December 16

In Job 8–11, Job’s friends try to explain his suffering with shallow theology. Bildad insists that God would never allow the innocent to suffer, while Zophar accuses Job of hidden sin and urges him to repent of wrongs he hasn’t committed. Their words are harsh, unhelpful, and rooted in the assumption that suffering always equals divine punishment. Job, meanwhile, continues wrestling honestly with God. He knows he is suffering deeply, but he also knows his friends’ explanations don’t reflect God’s true character. In these chapters, we see a crucial truth: not every voice that speaks about God speaks rightly. Discernment matters, especially in seasons of pain.

Revelation 12 pulls back the curtain on the spiritual battle behind earthly struggles. John sees a cosmic conflict—a dragon opposed to God and His people. Yet the victory belongs not to the enemy but to God and to those who cling to Him. Scripture declares, They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony. The people of God are not spared from battle, but they are sustained by Christ’s victory. Their triumph comes not through their own strength but through faith, perseverance, and the redeeming power of Jesus.

Together, these passages show us the importance of grounding ourselves in God’s truth when life feels confusing or when voices around us misinterpret our pain. Job’s friends spoke confidently but wrongly; only God’s voice could bring clarity. Revelation reminds us that unseen battles often underlie our visible circumstances—and that Jesus has already overcome the enemy who seeks to discourage, condemn, or deceive us.

When we hold firmly to God’s truth, cling to Jesus’ victory, and refuse to let lies shape our view of suffering, we can stand strong even when the battle feels fierce.

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