Job 11-14  Zophar,  Job's third friend, speaks next.  He comes on strong.. accusing Job of talking too much, of boasting, and of not knowing God.  He rebukes Job and tells him to repent so that his troubles would be over.  As in the others, there is a grain of truth in Zophar's message:  "Can you discover the depths of God? Can you discover the limits of the Almighty? They are as high as the heavens, what can you do?"

But, Zophar and the others are rebuked by Job.. "Truly then you are the people, and with you wisdom will die!"  Job throws back at them.  He resents their accusations and their "wisdom". So he  turns back to the Lord God.  Everything is in God's hands, Job repeats.. and if God wants to do anything, no-one can stop Him. 

"With Him are wisdom and might, to Him belong counsel  and understanding." (12:13)  God tears down and builds up. God imprisons and releases. God humbles the proud. God raises up nations and destroys them too. 

Job wants to bring his argument before God. He doesn't want his peers to keep speaking. "Though He slay me, I will hope in Him. Nevertheless I will argue my ways before Him. This also will be my salvation, for a godless man may not come before His presence." Job is sure of his innocence, sure of His Savior, and sure of the fact that his days are numbered and in God's hands. 

In spite of the suffering. In spite of the accusations from his friends.. in spite of feeling deserted by God.. Job keeps waiting. " .. all the days of my struggle I will wait, until my change comes. Thou wilt call and I will answer Thee; Thou wilt long for the work of Thy hands." (14:14-15)

Father in heaven, teach us Your ways through this servant of Yours, Job.  Teach us to keep trusting. Teach us to wait upon You. Teach us to exalt and praise You and to give You thanks.  Remind us, Father, that You are in control and that Your good and perfect will is always better than anything we can ask for.  Teach us to lay down our lives, take up our crosses and follow Jesus.. no matter what.  Thank You for the salvation that we have in Christ Jesus our Lord and King!  Amen.