October 30
Today’s Reading: Job 21; Mark 5–6
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Scripture Focus
“‘Why do the wicked prosper, growing old and powerful?’ … But their prosperity will fade, and they will be brought down to the grave in a moment.”
**Job 21:7, 13 (NLT)**
“They were completely amazed. ‘For they still didn’t understand the significance of the miracle of the loaves; their hearts were too hard to take it in.’”
**Mark 6:51–52 (NLT)**
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Reflection – “When Life Seems Unfair”
Job struggled to understand why those who rejected God seemed to live comfortably while he, a faithful man, suffered intensely. His words echo what many believers feel when life looks unjust — when wrongdoers thrive, and those who love God face storms. But Job’s story reminds us that earthly success doesn’t equal God’s favor. What appears as prosperity can actually mask spiritual poverty.
In contrast, Mark’s Gospel shows another kind of blindness — not from suffering, but from self-sufficiency. The disciples had just witnessed the miracle of the loaves, yet their hearts were hardened. They couldn’t see that Jesus, the Bread of Life, was in the boat with them. They still feared the storm because they hadn’t connected the miracle to who He truly was.
Both Job and the disciples teach us something profound:
•Job wrestled with God’s justice.
•The disciples wrestled with His power.
And in both struggles, the answer was found in the same place — in knowing who God is.
When life feels unfair, remember: the wicked may seem secure, and the storm may seem strong, but both will fade. What endures is God’s righteousness, presence, and purpose in every season.
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Lesson for Me
When I start to question “why” — why others seem blessed, why I’m in the storm, or why I can’t see the outcome — I need to shift my focus from what’s happening around me to who is with me.
Jesus didn’t promise calm waters, but He did promise His presence.
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Application Questions
•Do I measure blessing by comfort or by closeness to God?
•Have I allowed disappointment or comparison to harden my heart?
•When the waves rise, do I look at the storm — or at the Savior in the boat?
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🙏 Prayer
Lord, help me trust Your justice when life feels unfair. Keep my heart tender to Your truth, even when I don’t understand. Remind me that You are with me in every storm and that true prosperity is knowing You. Strengthen my faith to see You clearly — not just in miracles, but in the waiting. Amen.
⸻
Takeaway
Even when life feels unfair or the storm feels unending — Jesus is still in the boat, and He is still in control.
Today’s Reading: Job 21; Mark 5–6
⸻
Scripture Focus
“‘Why do the wicked prosper, growing old and powerful?’ … But their prosperity will fade, and they will be brought down to the grave in a moment.”
**Job 21:7, 13 (NLT)**
“They were completely amazed. ‘For they still didn’t understand the significance of the miracle of the loaves; their hearts were too hard to take it in.’”
**Mark 6:51–52 (NLT)**
⸻
Reflection – “When Life Seems Unfair”
Job struggled to understand why those who rejected God seemed to live comfortably while he, a faithful man, suffered intensely. His words echo what many believers feel when life looks unjust — when wrongdoers thrive, and those who love God face storms. But Job’s story reminds us that earthly success doesn’t equal God’s favor. What appears as prosperity can actually mask spiritual poverty.
In contrast, Mark’s Gospel shows another kind of blindness — not from suffering, but from self-sufficiency. The disciples had just witnessed the miracle of the loaves, yet their hearts were hardened. They couldn’t see that Jesus, the Bread of Life, was in the boat with them. They still feared the storm because they hadn’t connected the miracle to who He truly was.
Both Job and the disciples teach us something profound:
•Job wrestled with God’s justice.
•The disciples wrestled with His power.
And in both struggles, the answer was found in the same place — in knowing who God is.
When life feels unfair, remember: the wicked may seem secure, and the storm may seem strong, but both will fade. What endures is God’s righteousness, presence, and purpose in every season.
⸻
Lesson for Me
When I start to question “why” — why others seem blessed, why I’m in the storm, or why I can’t see the outcome — I need to shift my focus from what’s happening around me to who is with me.
Jesus didn’t promise calm waters, but He did promise His presence.
⸻
Application Questions
•Do I measure blessing by comfort or by closeness to God?
•Have I allowed disappointment or comparison to harden my heart?
•When the waves rise, do I look at the storm — or at the Savior in the boat?
⸻
🙏 Prayer
Lord, help me trust Your justice when life feels unfair. Keep my heart tender to Your truth, even when I don’t understand. Remind me that You are with me in every storm and that true prosperity is knowing You. Strengthen my faith to see You clearly — not just in miracles, but in the waiting. Amen.
⸻
Takeaway
Even when life feels unfair or the storm feels unending — Jesus is still in the boat, and He is still in control.