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Why does God allow suffering to deepen, especially for someone who is already hurting? What happens when you’ve endured one trial with faith, only to face another?

In Episode 8 of our podcast, “Let Us Rethink,” titled “The Journey of Job: Why Would God Let Satan Strike Again?,” we return to the heavenly courtroom for a second, unsettling encounter. This scene pushes us to confront some of the most difficult questions about our faith: Why does God permit repeated attacks? What does this reveal about divine purpose, spiritual warfare, and the very nature of trust?

Listen to the full conversation:

• YouTube: Let Us Rethink Ep. 8: The Journey of Job: Why Would God Let Satan Strike Again?
• Spotify: S1E8: The Journey of Job: Why Would God Let Satan Strike Again?

This episode draws from Pastor Sam Merigala’s sermon “Heavenly Court Part 2” – Part 6 of the Suffering & Grace Series (2024), which you can explore further here: https://youtu.be/sfyVc7uWKCk

Unpacking the Second Heavenly Encounter

Our discussion delves into the cosmic drama of Job’s story, offering a framework for understanding those moments when life’s trials seem relentless:

• A Glimpse into the Heavenly Court: The story throws us right back into a “cosmic board meeting” where the sons of God present themselves, and Satan is among them. This setting establishes God’s absolute sovereignty from the start; even Satan is subject to His authority and works within divinely set limits.
• The Cosmic Wager, Round Two: God once again points out Job’s integrity. The skeptic, Satan, doubles down on his challenge, arguing that Job’s faith only endures because his own body hasn’t been touched. This sets up a test that moves from Job’s circumstances to his very person.
• Is Suffering Necessary for God’s Glory?: The podcast explores the provocative idea that suffering is sometimes necessary for God’s glory to be made evident. True faith, the kind that honors God, is the faith that endures even when there is no earthly benefit, proving God is worthy of worship regardless of our circumstances.
• Satan as an “Unwilling Refining Tool”: We wrestle with the paradox that God can use even a malicious adversary for a holy purpose. Like a blacksmith’s hammer, the hardships Satan inflicts, though awful, can serve to purify our faith, burning away impurities and leaving behind what is genuine and strong.
• God’s Glory vs. Our Comfort: The discussion tackles a tough concept: “The glory of God is more important than our comfort.” This doesn’t mean God enjoys our pain, but that His ultimate purpose—revealing His perfect character to the universe—is a grander goal than ensuring our individual, moment-to-moment happiness.
• Divine Plan and Human Choice: The story masterfully holds the tension between God’s sovereign plan and our human agency. God sets the stage and the limits, but how we respond, how we question, and how we ultimately hold on to our faith is still our choice to make.
• Finding Meaning in the Mystery: Job’s story doesn’t give us easy answers, but it leaves us with profound questions to wrestle with. It teaches us that faith can endure, and even thrive, in the midst of the unknown. We are challenged not to find all the answers, but to learn to trust the One who holds them.

Wrestle With Us: Reflection Questions

This intense part of Job’s journey prompts us to look at our own recurring trials differently:

• What does your response to recurring trials reveal about your view of God’s justice?
• If Satan returned to test your faith again, what would God point to as your strength?
• Are you more focused on getting relief from suffering or growing through it?

Let Us Rethink — Not to Doubt, But to Deepen

The story of Job’s second test challenges the core of a comfortable faith. It pushes us to ask what we truly believe about God’s character when life doesn’t just get hard, but stays hard. It’s an invitation to find a faith that is not dependent on circumstance but is anchored in the steadfast, sovereign, and ultimately loving nature of God Himself.

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 discussion encourages you to trust God’s purpose, even in the trials you didn’t see coming.