The Blog

Have you ever wondered what’s happening behind the scenes of your life? What if your struggles were part of a conversation you couldn’t hear, a decision made in a place you couldn’t see?

In Episode 7 of our podcast, “Let Us Rethink,” titled “The Journey of Job: What Heaven Decides About Your Suffering,” we explore one of the most eye-opening and challenging scenes in the entire Bible: the heavenly court. Why was Satan, the adversary, allowed in God’s presence? Why did God Himself point out Job? This episode unpacks what this heavenly drama reveals about justice, divine authority, and the hidden purpose behind our pain.

Listen to the full conversation:

• YouTube: Let Us Rethink Ep. 7: The Journey of Job: What Heaven Decides About Your Suffering
• Spotify: S1E7: The Journey of Job: What Heaven Decides About Your Suffering

This episode draws from Pastor Sam Merigala’s sermon “Heavenly Court” – Part 5 of the Suffering & Grace Series (2024), which you can explore further here: https://youtu.be/z-dEEThqS7Q

A Look Behind the Curtain: Job’s Story and the Divine Council

Our latest discussion pulls back the veil on the spiritual dynamics at play in Job’s life, offering profound insights into the nature of faith and suffering:

• A Divine Board Meeting: The story of Job gives us a rare “sneak peek” into a divine board meeting, a heavenly council where angels gather before God to report on their duties.
• The Adversary’s Role: Into this meeting walks Satan, not as a comical figure with horns, but as “the adversary”—a sort of cosmic prosecuting attorney whose role is to observe and challenge the genuineness of human faith. This raises the provocative idea that Satan might have a necessary, though malicious, role in God’s ultimate plan.
• God on Trial?: God Himself points Job out to Satan, highlighting him as a “blameless and upright man.” This sets the stage for Satan’s challenge: Job is only faithful because he has been blessed. Take away the blessings, Satan argues, and his faith will crumble.
• Refined by Fire: God allows the test, leading to an incredible insight: suffering isn’t necessarily a punishment but can be a refining process. The discussion draws a parallel to the Apostle Peter’s words about genuine faith being more precious than gold, which is purified by fire. Suffering can burn away impurities, leaving behind a stronger, more valuable faith.
• From Superficial to Authentic Faith: Job’s suffering forces him to wrestle with his beliefs on a much deeper level. It moves him beyond a superficial understanding to a place of raw, authentic faith. The very act of questioning and lamenting becomes part of this refining process.
• Finding Grace in the Test: The sermon highlights that God’s grace is woven throughout this entire ordeal. First, in trusting Job’s faith enough to allow the test. Second, by sustaining Job through his darkest moments. And finally, in Job’s ultimate restoration, where he is blessed even more abundantly than before, emerging transformed with a richer relationship with God.
• A Catalyst for Transformation: Ultimately, the story challenges us to shift our perspective. Instead of viewing suffering as purely negative, we can begin to see it as a potential catalyst for immense growth, spiritual maturity, and a deeper experience of God’s grace.

Wrestle With Us: Reflection Questions

This heavenly perspective on suffering invites us to some deep, personal reflection:

• What if your suffering has more to do with heaven’s confidence in you than punishment from God?
• Would your faith still stand if God allowed you to suffer without giving you a reason?
• Are you living in a way that God could point you out to Satan like He did with Job?

Let Us Rethink — Not to Doubt, But to Deepen

The story of Job’s encounter with the heavenly court doesn’t give us easy answers, but it gives us something more valuable: a framework for trusting God’s sovereign plan, even when we can’t see it. It reminds us that even in our brokenness and pain, there is beauty, purpose, and the profound possibility of redemption.

You are not alone in your struggles. God’s grace is always there, waiting to meet you in your pain and lead you toward healing and wholeness.

Connect & Grow Further:

• Subscribe to “Let Us Rethink”: Find us on YouTube and Spotify for weekly deep-dive reflections rooted in Scripture, suffering, and purpose.
• Explore More from Grace Gospel Church: For more resources to grow in your faith, including sermon archives and upcoming events, please visit our website: www.gracegospel.church
• Follow Us: Join our community for ongoing encouragement. Find Grace Gospel Church (GGEFDE) on Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.

We pray this exploration of Job’s story encourages you to trust in a God who is bigger than your questions and whose grace is sufficient for your every trial.