ESOCS Devotional 19 November 2025 – Growing From The Test
MEMORY VERSE: “But he knows the pathway that I take; if he tested me, I would come forth like gold.” Job 23:10
TEXT: JOB 23:1-END
Then Job answered and said:
2 “Even today my complaint is bitter;
My hand is listless because of my groaning.
3 Oh, that I knew where I might find Him,
That I might come to His seat!
4 I would present my case before Him,
And fill my mouth with arguments.
5 I would know the words which He would answer me,
And understand what He would say to me.
6 Would He contend with me in His great power?
No! But He would take note of me.
7 There the upright could reason with Him,
And I would be delivered forever from my Judge.
8 “Look, I go forward, but He is not there,
And backward, but I cannot perceive Him;
9 When He works on the left hand, I cannot behold Him;
When He turns to the right hand, I cannot see Him.
10 But He knows the way that I take;
When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold.
11 My foot has held fast to His steps;
I have kept His way and not turned aside.
12 I have not departed from the commandment of His lips;
I have treasured the words of His mouth
More than my necessary food.
13 “But He is unique, and who can make Him change?
And whatever His soul desires, that He does.
14 For He performs what is appointed for me,
And many such things are with Him.
15 Therefore I am terrified at His presence;
When I consider this, I am afraid of Him.
16 For God made my heart weak,
And the Almighty terrifies me;
17 Because I was not cut off from the presence of darkness,
And He did not hide deep darkness from my face.
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Life throws curveballs. We face trials and tribulations that test our strength, our resolve, and ultimately, our faith. In these moments of darkness, it’s easy to question why we must endure such suffering. But what if, amidst the flames, there was a purpose, a refining fire designed to strengthen our faith and bring us closer to God?
The Book of Job presents a powerful story of unwavering faith in the face of unimaginable hardship. Job, a man renowned for his piety and righteousness, finds himself stripped of his possessions, family, and health in a seemingly senseless series of calamities. Yet, amidst the ashes, Job declares, “But He knows the way that I take; When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold” (Job 23:10).
Suffering is a reality that we all face at some point in our lives. It may come in the form of illness, loss, conflict, or any number of other challenges. It’s important to remember that suffering is not something that God causes or desires for us. In fact, God grieves over our suffering and wants to bring us healing and restoration (Psalm 34:18). However, God does allow suffering to come to our lives for a purpose. He uses it to shape and refine us, to draw us closer to Him, and to accomplish His plan and purpose for our lives (Romans 5:3-5).
The clause, “He knows the way that I take” emphasizes God’s intimate knowledge of Job. God’s knowledge of Job transcends mere observation; it’s a deep-seated awareness built through a personal connection. It’s an intimate understanding, encompassing every facet of his being – his thoughts, actions, and even the hidden depths of his heart. God’s knowledge of job wasn’t mere intellectual awareness; it was a profound understanding of Job’s character, vulnerabilities, and strengths. God wasn’t a distant spectator but an intimate companion, walking beside him every step of the way. He didn’t just know Job’s every step; He knew the path ahead, the trials Job would face, and the depth of his faith that could endure them. He is the Omniscient God! It wasn’t a test of Job’s guilt, but a testament to his resilience, a chance for his faith to shine even brighter (Job 1:8).
The clause, “I shall come forth as gold” is drawn from gold mine experiences. Miners use high temperatures to burn away alloys and other impurities in order to purify gold. The more intense the heat, the finer and purer the gold is. Similarly, Job admits that his trials were designed to bring out the best in him. He said, “I shall come forth as gold” indicating that the trials in his life were for his own good. Job’s furnace of affliction would refine and bring him “forth as gold.” This means that trials, like fire in a gold refinery, refine and strengthen our faith. Beloved, be rest assured, every phase of challenge is to bring out the best in you, and certainly today will end in praise. Amen.
CHALLENGES
- Remain steadfast like Job in every challenging situation and you will come off strong in the end.
PRAYER POINT
- Father, we know that the temptations serve to refine and transform us, making our faith stronger and more resilient, help us always. Amen.
FURTHER READING: Job 25:1-End; Hebrews 5:1-End; 6:1-9
ESOCS Devotional 19 November 2025
