October 25, 2026 

JOB: GOD MEETS US IN THE MIDST OF OUR PAIN

October 25, 2026

Senior Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Today we conclude the final sermon from the book of Job. As we reach the end of this amazing story, God speaks not only to Job and his friends but also to us, building our knowledge of His majesty. His power at the beginning of Creation and His continued interaction with all people throughout time leave us speechless at His omnipotence, omnipresence, and omniscience. He has never relinquished control over nature, yet He is also completely in control of the circumstances of every person alive. He is good and willing to let us make mistakes as we travel the path of our lives, bringing good out of our situations even when we mess up (Romans 8:28,29). He is the only One who is worthy to be our God!

Focal Passages: Job 36:24 to Job 42. 

He is where you are:

  • Background: Elihu begins to speak in Chapter 32, but emphasizes the majesty of God from 36:24-37:24. It is worthwhile to re-read that portion, just to refresh your mind before reading what God Himself says to Job (and presumably, the friends).
  • Read Job 38:1. When God answered Job, where was Job at the time? Were many of the friends’ accusations accurate? Was Job still in the same frame of mind as in the early chapters? Had he ever changed his mind about wanting to reason with God?
  • Why did God use the backdrop of a whirlwind? Did Job feel like he was in a whirlwind during this time of suffering? How can you know God will come to you wherever you are?
  • Are you currently in a storm (or just coming out of one, or possibly—about to go into one)?

Have you learned anything about God while fighting for a better day? Was there ever a moment during your storm (or anytime!) when you felt God lost sight of you?

He encourages us to stand:

  • Read Job 38:2. Why can God accurately say, “Who is this who questions My wisdom with ignorant words”? In the middle of a traumatic season, do you often speak foolishly? Are there other times when you find your words are careless? How can you control these times?
  • Read Job 38:3. Why did God tell Job to stop his whining and be courageous? What are some other words that could have been used in this challenge? What other voices can be loud in a time of despair?
  • If God challenges you to be strong during your storm, how is that possible? Did you answer by saying ‘obedience’? God is the true Vine and you are the branch; are you letting Him support you, or are you trying to get along by your own wisdom?

He reminds us who He is:

  • Read Job 38:4-7. When God speaks, does He address Job’s many complaints about his suffering? What does He do? Does Job understand that he is a small part of a huge universe?
  • Read Job 38:8-11. Do you notice the difference between the rhetorical questions of 4-7? How does God change here?
  • Read verses 12-18. In these verses, why can your greatest encouragement during a period of pain be to remind yourself how powerful God is? When you see everything under His control, what does that tell you about your problem?

He reminds us who we are:

  • Read Job 38:19-21. Does God need to make His case to show His power? Why does He do this? Is He trying to get Job to look at the ‘big picture’? If God can run the entire universe (without our help!), can He take your problem and change it any way He likes?
  • Why do these verses remind you of your parents when you were a child? Did you feel like Mom, Dad, or perhaps Grandma could fix any problem you had? Is this how we should see God—and depend completely on His power?
  • God’s power is unlimited, but how is your power exactly the opposite? Does God need you to help Him? Why do many people call on God only when they can’t fix it themselves?

He holds it all in the palm of His hand:

  • Read Job 38:33-41. What additional reminders does God continue with? How is His caring for the needs of the animal kingdom? What does Matthew 6:25-33 remind us?
  • Do you worry? What are some ways you can teach yourself how powerful God is, and use that method when you feel worry creeping in? List all the helps you can think of.

TAKEAWAYS:

  1. Accept your limitations when you go up against a broken world.
  2. Recognize that God created it all.
  3. Celebrate that He has you in the palm of His hand!

Close:

What an exciting series this has been, and many people are now seeing the Book of Job with new eyes! Yet many also identify with parts of Job’s feelings, as he knew heartbreak from enormous trials—just as we feel today. Others sometimes say, “Hey, God—I’ve got this!” and go on with their lives. Then they get in trouble and call out to God for help, hoping He won’t hold it against them that they tried to fix it themselves and made it worse. Will people ever learn? There’s hope. Our church’s worship team sings hymns and praise songs that reinforce the sermon each Sunday—have you noticed? The songs set the backdrop as we reflect on God’s power, love, and everything that teaches us more about Him. Appropriate verses written on 3×5 cards are a great way to put our minds on the path to learning more of His qualities. Wednesday night services at church can be a great “re-boosting” of our Spiritual strength if we allow ourselves to get somewhat empty after being in the broken world for half the week. Do whatever it takes to remind yourself that you belong to God, that He loves you, and can fix or carry your problems!

By Sandy Day

October 25, 2026

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