Week 14 of the Devotional Series
The Study of Job: Week 11
*Note – As we continue our journey through the Bible in chronological order, this is our 11th week in the book of Job. Though this is Week 14 overall, we’re still walking alongside Job. Next Monday will be our final week in Job. *
Devotional Format: I Do – We Do – You Do
Focus: Job 38 – 39
Tip: I highly recommend journaling your responses to the questions, prompts, and reflections. Writing them out can help you process more deeply and see how God is working in your life.
This week’s devotion includes:
Chapter 38 – “Were You There? Learning to Trust in God’s Power”
Chapter 39 – “He Provides. Lessons from His Creatures”
(Remember: This is a once-a-week devotional that can be broken up over several days.)
Bible Memory:
Did you memorize last week’s Bible verse?
Hiding God’s Word in our hearts is such a valuable practice. Since I’ve been memorizing Scripture, I’ve experienced so many moments where God brings a specific verse to mind just when I need it most. It’s amazing how He uses His Word to speak into our lives right where we are.
This Week’s Memory Verse — “Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?” Matthew 6:26
I Do – Watch Me Study
Job Chapter 38
“Were You There? Learning to Trust in God’s Power”
(Read Job Chapter 38 First)
Job 38 is the long-anticipated turning point in Job’s story. It’s the moment when God Himself finally speaks. Up to this point, we’ve listened to Job plead his innocence and pour out his questions, while his friends accused him of hidden sin. Notice God doesn’t start with an explanation, but He answers with questions of His own.
Think back to some of Job’s cries: “Why was I even born?” (Job 3:11, 20). “Why won’t You pardon me?” (Job 7:20–21). “Why do the wicked prosper?” (Job 21:7). “Why won’t You answer me?” (Job 30:20).
When God responds, His tone is firm: “Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me” (Job 38:2–3).
God begins asking Job a series of questions that highlight His supreme wisdom and power:
• Were you there when I laid the foundations of the earth?
• Can you command the morning or enter the springs of the sea?
• Do you store up the snow and hail? Can you guide the stars?
• Do the clouds obey your voice, or does lightning answer to you?
One by one, God reminds Job that creation itself is evidence of His authority. Every drop of rain, every path of light and darkness, every star in the heavens is under His control. Even the animals cry to Him for provision (Job 38:39–41).
What stands out to me most is verse 41: “Who provideth for the raven his food? when his young ones cry unto God, they wander for lack of meat.” Even the helpless baby ravens instinctively cry to their Creator for food.
This passage reminds me that God doesn’t owe me an explanation for everything I don’t understand. Instead, He calls me to humility and trust. If the One who commands the seas, the stars, and the seasons, holds all of creation in His hand, surely He can hold my life too.
Journal Questions:
• Where am I questioning God’s ways instead of trusting His wisdom?
• What would it look like today to rest in His sovereignty instead of leaning on my own understanding (Proverbs 3:5–6)?
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We Do – Let’s Study Together
Job Chapter 39
“He Provides. Lessons from His Creatures”
(Read Job Chapter 39 First)
God’s response to Job in this chapter is full of questions: “Do you know? Can you? Will you?” Each question points to His supreme wisdom and Job’s limited understanding. The sure-footed wild goats, the untamed donkeys, the strong ox, the fearless ostrich, the powerful horse, the keen-eyed hawk, and the high-flying eagle…all of them reveal God’s creative power and intentional design.
These creatures teach us something…God equips each one with what it needs. Some are strong, some swift, some free, some protective, some fierce. God points out that none of them are Job’s doing, and none can be controlled by human strength. In the same way, God has uniquely equipped each of us with gifts, strengths, and abilities. Part of walking with Him is learning to discover and use those traits for His glory.
For us, the lesson is clear: God alone holds wisdom, strength, and control over creation and over our lives. Like Job, we are often tempted to think we understand how things should work, or to lean on our own strength. But God reminds us that His knowledge and design go far beyond ours. If He provides for the wild animals in barren places, if He gives each one its gifts and instincts, then surely He will provide for us, whom He made in His image.
Instead of asking “Why?” like Job, we can rest in “Who.” The “who” is God. He’s the Creator who sustains us ALL. Just as He gives every creature exactly what it needs, he will give us what we need too!
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You Do – Apply It Personally
Think about the animals God described to Job. Each one was created with unique strengths and instincts, and none of them were left without provision. If God cares so carefully for the wild goats in the mountains or the ravens crying out for food, how much more will He care for you?
Job 38:41
“Who provideth for the raven his food? when his young ones cry unto God, they wander for lack of meat.”
Psalm 104:27–28
“These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give them their meat in due season.
That thou givest them they gather: thou openest thine hand, they are filled with good.”
Psalm 147:9
“He giveth to the beast his food, and to the young ravens which cry.”
Matthew 6:26
“Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?”
Take a moment to reflect:
• Where am I tempted to rely on my own strength instead of God’s provision?
• What areas of my life feel “untamed” or out of control right now?
• How might remembering God’s wisdom and care bring me peace in those areas?
Write down one specific situation you’re facing and pray over it, asking God to remind you that He has equipped you with what you need today.
Key Takeaway:
God carefully equips and provides for every part of His creation. If He cares for the animals He made, we can trust that He will provide for and equip us.
Heavenly Father,
Your knowledge and abilities amaze me. As I read these scriptures where You spoke about how Your creation obeys Your voice and relies on Your provision, I am reminded just how much I need you too. I don’t need to lean on my own understanding, but to have humility and trust. We see that You equip creatures with exactly what they need that’s unique to them. We can be sure that You have done the same for each one of us. Help us pray and discover what specific traits You have given us to serve You best. Thank You for caring so much for us!
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen
The Georgia Nest 