October 16th
Today’s Reading: Job 1–2 & Acts 6–7
Today’s Reading: Job 1–2 & Acts 6–7
Scripture Focus
“There once was a man named Job who lived in the land of Uz. He was blameless—a man of complete integrity. He feared God and stayed away from evil.”
— Job 1:1 NLT
“There once was a man named Job who lived in the land of Uz. He was blameless—a man of complete integrity. He feared God and stayed away from evil.”
— Job 1:1 NLT
“Then the Lord ask
ed Satan, ‘Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all the earth. He is blameless—a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil.’”
— Job 1:8 NLT
“He said, ‘I came naked from my mother’s womb, and I will be naked when I leave. The Lord gave me what I had, and the Lord has taken it away. Praise the name of the Lord!’ In all of this, Job did not sin by blaming God.”
— Job 1:21–22 NLT
— Job 1:21–22 NLT
“One day the members of the heavenly court came again to present themselves before the Lord, and the Accuser, Satan, came with them.”
— Job 2:1 NLT
— Job 2:1 NLT
“No one said a word to Job, for they saw that his suffering was too great for words.”
— Job 2:13 NLT
— Job 2:13 NLT
Reflection
Dear sisters, today we embark on a journey to learn about Job. 🌿
God introduces us to a man living around the time of Abraham—before there was the Law, before there was the nation of Israel, there was this man in the land of Uz. Job didn’t have prophets or Scripture, yet he deeply feared God. His life stood out so much that the Lord Himself pointed him out to the enemy as an example of blameless integrity. Imagine that—God taking notice of a human life and saying, “Look at him. He honors Me.”
Even before his trials, Job knew God as Creator, Sustainer, and Judge. His words throughout the book reveal a man who grasped God’s majesty long before the Scriptures were written. He spoke of the Lord commanding the morning, setting the boundaries of the sea, and weighing human actions with justice. Job’s worship flowed from revelation—not ritual.
Before the trial ever came, Job was already anchored in the truth of who God is. His daily sacrifices for his children weren’t routine—they were moments of worship, humility, and deep fellowship with the Lord. Each offering was an expression of his reverence and trust that God was worthy of his devotion. When Job bowed in worship long before the storm, he was strengthening the very faith that would sustain him through it. God saw that steadfast heart and knew Job was ready to prove to heaven and earth that He is real and worthy to be trusted.
When everything was stripped away, that foundation held firm. Knowing who God is before the storm prepared him to trust when the storm came. It’s striking that Satan still had access to appear before God’s throne. This moment shows us that nothing escapes God’s authority—not even the enemy. Satan roams the earth, observing and accusing, but he can only act within limits God allows. Even in the unseen courtroom of heaven, God remains sovereign. The enemy must still answer when questioned and can only move by permission. What comfort this gives us: the trials that shake our lives are never outside the control of the One who holds all power. God’s purpose always refines—not ruins; reveals—not destroys.
Faith Refined Through Trials
The lessons of Job echo through the New Testament. James wrote,
“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.”
— James 1:2–3 NLT
Peter also reminded believers that our faith, though tested by fire, “will prove to be genuine and result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed” (1 Peter 1:7 NLT). Trials are not punishments—they are purifying fires. Like Job, our faith is refined until it shines like gold.
And just as in Job’s day, the enemy is still active.
“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”
— 1 Peter 5:8 NLT
But the victory remains the same: Satan roams, yet God reigns. His refining hand is stronger than the enemy’s destroying schemes. When we stand firm, we share Job’s outcome—restoration, deeper faith, and the joy of knowing that God’s purpose always prevails.
Dear sisters, today we embark on a journey to learn about Job. 🌿
God introduces us to a man living around the time of Abraham—before there was the Law, before there was the nation of Israel, there was this man in the land of Uz. Job didn’t have prophets or Scripture, yet he deeply feared God. His life stood out so much that the Lord Himself pointed him out to the enemy as an example of blameless integrity. Imagine that—God taking notice of a human life and saying, “Look at him. He honors Me.”
Even before his trials, Job knew God as Creator, Sustainer, and Judge. His words throughout the book reveal a man who grasped God’s majesty long before the Scriptures were written. He spoke of the Lord commanding the morning, setting the boundaries of the sea, and weighing human actions with justice. Job’s worship flowed from revelation—not ritual.
Before the trial ever came, Job was already anchored in the truth of who God is. His daily sacrifices for his children weren’t routine—they were moments of worship, humility, and deep fellowship with the Lord. Each offering was an expression of his reverence and trust that God was worthy of his devotion. When Job bowed in worship long before the storm, he was strengthening the very faith that would sustain him through it. God saw that steadfast heart and knew Job was ready to prove to heaven and earth that He is real and worthy to be trusted.
When everything was stripped away, that foundation held firm. Knowing who God is before the storm prepared him to trust when the storm came. It’s striking that Satan still had access to appear before God’s throne. This moment shows us that nothing escapes God’s authority—not even the enemy. Satan roams the earth, observing and accusing, but he can only act within limits God allows. Even in the unseen courtroom of heaven, God remains sovereign. The enemy must still answer when questioned and can only move by permission. What comfort this gives us: the trials that shake our lives are never outside the control of the One who holds all power. God’s purpose always refines—not ruins; reveals—not destroys.
Faith Refined Through Trials
The lessons of Job echo through the New Testament. James wrote,
“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow.”
— James 1:2–3 NLT
Peter also reminded believers that our faith, though tested by fire, “will prove to be genuine and result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed” (1 Peter 1:7 NLT). Trials are not punishments—they are purifying fires. Like Job, our faith is refined until it shines like gold.
And just as in Job’s day, the enemy is still active.
“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.”
— 1 Peter 5:8 NLT
But the victory remains the same: Satan roams, yet God reigns. His refining hand is stronger than the enemy’s destroying schemes. When we stand firm, we share Job’s outcome—restoration, deeper faith, and the joy of knowing that God’s purpose always prevails.
When Trials Hit — Steps to Remember
Jesus told us plainly:
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” — John 16:33
We can’t control what happens, but we can control how we respond. When trouble strikes, our human instinct is to panic, plan, or protest—but faith calls us to a different response.
1️⃣ Bow your heart.
Stop and humble yourself before the Lord. Don’t rush to fix—run to the Presence.
2️⃣ Seek God’s face.
Before asking why, seek Who. Pray 🙏 and listen for His voice.
3️⃣ Stand firm in faith.
Remember His promises, not your fears. Speak truth over your heart: “Blessed be the name of the Lord.”
4️⃣ Stay thankful.
Praise 🙌 in the storm. Gratitude silences the enemy and keeps your heart steady in hope.
These steps help us move from reacting in fear to responding in faith—just like Job did.
“In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” — John 16:33
We can’t control what happens, but we can control how we respond. When trouble strikes, our human instinct is to panic, plan, or protest—but faith calls us to a different response.
1️⃣ Bow your heart.
Stop and humble yourself before the Lord. Don’t rush to fix—run to the Presence.
2️⃣ Seek God’s face.
Before asking why, seek Who. Pray 🙏 and listen for His voice.
3️⃣ Stand firm in faith.
Remember His promises, not your fears. Speak truth over your heart: “Blessed be the name of the Lord.”
4️⃣ Stay thankful.
Praise 🙌 in the storm. Gratitude silences the enemy and keeps your heart steady in hope.
These steps help us move from reacting in fear to responding in faith—just like Job did.
Lesson for Me
The time to build faith is before the trial comes. Job’s strength was not found in the storm—it was formed in the secret place of daily worship, obedience, and surrender. I want that kind of faith: the kind that bows low, trusts deep, and worships still. God doesn’t promise a life free from pain, but He promises His presence in the midst of it. When I am anchored in who He is, no storm can uproot my faith.
The time to build faith is before the trial comes. Job’s strength was not found in the storm—it was formed in the secret place of daily worship, obedience, and surrender. I want that kind of faith: the kind that bows low, trusts deep, and worships still. God doesn’t promise a life free from pain, but He promises His presence in the midst of it. When I am anchored in who He is, no storm can uproot my faith.
Moving Forward
Moving forward from this lesson, let’s make it our goal to grow like Job—anchored before the storm ever comes. Let’s commit to highlighting in our Bibles every verse that reveals who God is, and then pause to praise 🙌 Him for those attributes.
When we know Him deeply, we’ll recognize His hand even in the hard places. Let’s build the habit of daily praise—of speaking aloud who God is until it becomes second nature to our hearts. So when the next trial comes, our first response won’t be panic but praise.
Here are a few truths about who our God is—truths straight from
Moving forward from this lesson, let’s make it our goal to grow like Job—anchored before the storm ever comes. Let’s commit to highlighting in our Bibles every verse that reveals who God is, and then pause to praise 🙌 Him for those attributes.
When we know Him deeply, we’ll recognize His hand even in the hard places. Let’s build the habit of daily praise—of speaking aloud who God is until it becomes second nature to our hearts. So when the next trial comes, our first response won’t be panic but praise.
Here are a few truths about who our God is—truths straight from
His Word that will anchor us when storms come:
He is faithful and keeps His promises. (Deuteronomy 7:9)
He is just in all His ways. (Psalm 89:14)
He is merciful and abounding in steadfast love. (Psalm 103:8)
He is sovereign, ruling over heaven and earth. (Psalm 103:19)
He is mighty to save. (Zephaniah 3:17)
He is compassionate toward His children. (Lamentations 3:22–23)
He is unchanging. (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8)
He is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1)
He is good, and His mercy endures forever. (Psalm 100:5)
He is just in all His ways. (Psalm 89:14)
He is merciful and abounding in steadfast love. (Psalm 103:8)
He is sovereign, ruling over heaven and earth. (Psalm 103:19)
He is mighty to save. (Zephaniah 3:17)
He is compassionate toward His children. (Lamentations 3:22–23)
He is unchanging. (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8)
He is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1)
He is good, and His mercy endures forever. (Psalm 100:5)
These are the truths that steady the heart and silence fear. As we meditate on His nature and praise Him daily, our reflex in trial becomes worship instead of worry. Then, when hardship hits, we simply continue what we’ve already been practicing—bow, seek, stand, and stay thankful.
Application Questions
How am I preparing my heart right now for the next trial?
What daily habits (like Job’s sacrifices) keep me anchored in truth before the storm comes?
How does remembering that Satan must still answer to God give me peace in spiritual battles?
Which of the four “steps to remember” do I need to practice most when I’m under pressure?
How can I encourage someone who’s currently walking through a season of suffering to stay anchored in God’s character?
How am I preparing my heart right now for the next trial?
What daily habits (like Job’s sacrifices) keep me anchored in truth before the storm comes?
How does remembering that Satan must still answer to God give me peace in spiritual battles?
Which of the four “steps to remember” do I need to practice most when I’m under pressure?
How can I encourage someone who’s currently walking through a season of suffering to stay anchored in God’s character?
Prayer 🙏
Father, thank You for reminding me through Job’s story that You are always in control. When trials come, help me to bow my heart before You, seek Your face, stand firm in faith, and stay thankful. Refine my heart until my faith shines like gold. Teach me to worship You, not just for what You give, but for who You are. And may my life, like Job’s, prove to all that You are real, good, and worthy to be trusted. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Journaling Reminder 🕊️
Sit quietly before the Lord and ask Him to speak to your heart.
Journal what He reveals about where your faith stands today. What is He strengthening, what is He refining, and what truth about Himself does He want you to hold onto when the next storm comes?
Journal what He reveals about where your faith stands today. What is He strengthening, what is He refining, and what truth about Himself does He want you to hold onto when the next storm comes?