Day 158

Does God Answer Prayer?

Read: Job 23-27

Job wishes he knew where he could find God, because he still believes that God would vindicate him if they could only meet. But he can’t find God. How good that now that Christ has come, we can speak to God, knowing he will listen. But we must also admit that there are times when it seems as if God is not listening. At those times, let us be assured that he is, for Christ has said so.

Job also still has the faith that in the end things are going to turn out all right. “When he has tried me, I shall come forth as gold” (23:10). God sends trials that we do not understand, but he will use them for our spiritual benefit.

Job condemns those who mistreat the poor. Concern for the poor is emphasized in the Bible. Never forget that. But as the poor are mistreated, it often seems as if God is not listening to their prayer. But he is. If his answer is not “Yes,” it is either “No, I have something better for you” or “Be patient, wait.” But this last answer is hard for us to accept.

The “friends” are now running out of steam. Zophar does not take his turn and Bildad is short. Job’s reply to him is rather sarcastic. He says in essence, “You have been so helpful,” obviously meaning that they have not been helpful at all. Are we really being helpful to people in the depths of their needs?

PRAYER
Father, sometimes you do not seem to answer prayer. Give us faith to know the answer is coming. In Christ. Amen.