If they are bound in chains and caught up in a web of trouble, he shows them the reason. He shows them their sins of pride. He gets their attention and commands that they turn from evil. [Job 36.8-10]
Elihu is telling Job here that his troubles are God getting his attention. He is also saying that God reveals the reason for troubles. He also says troubles come from pride. But again, the reason troubles come is to get our attention SO THAT WE WILL TURN FROM EVIL.
Troublesome times are not opportunities to question God. Troublesome times are opportunities to repent. I know that blows a lot of doctrinal belief out the window, but I am just staying true to the Bible here.
Nowhere in the book of Job are troubles spoken of as random. They serve as God's reminder to repent of pride and all the sins that pride births in us.
I find it not ironic then that Elihu's statements sound very much like God's statements to Job in later chapters. So, I am not surprised that God DID NOT rebuke Elihu for his conversations with Job as He rebuked Job and his three friends! Elihu was speaking truth to Job. And God proved it by saying the same sort of things and expounding them even further.
Troubles are our invitation to repent. Don't shoot the messenger - it is clearly pointed out in the story of Job!
Father, I want to take to heart everything You are saying through Job's story. I understand that pride and all its minion sins have to go... Thank You that You have never changed and that You deal with men today as You always have - calling us out of pride and into faith. I used to think fear was the opposite of faith, but now, it seems more logical that pride is the opposite of faith.
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