When the second chapter of Job opens, we are met with a couple of profound realities. First, there is the phrase “sons of God.” “Again there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the LORD, and Satan also came among them to present himself before the LORD” (Job 2:1). This is a divine council. There are spiritual realities taking place in the heavenlies that precede events in the lives of men. That’s crucial for us to understand.

Spiritual warfare is a reality. There are forces at war in the divine and angelic realm. If and when we minimize that, it’s to our detriment. God included these phrases in Scripture for our instruction (Romans 15:4).

Second, God pays Job a huge compliment: And the LORD said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, who fears God and turns away from evil? He still holds fast his integrity, although you incited me agains him to destroy him without reason” (Job 2:3).

Encouragement: God holds forth Job as a model of a trusting disciple and believer. Is Job going to put in the crucible of suffering? Absolutely. Will Job ask the most existential and agonizing questions of God and his (Job’s) three friends? Absolutely. But will Job emerge victorious and blessed by God? Absolutely.

But that’s getting ahead. For now, just remember this: God uses suffering to draw us to himself and to reveal the genuine. He purifies. He puts his people in the crucible of suffering in order to refine us, to purge us of impurities, to sanctify us–but with one overarching goal: to show us that he is God, that we are not, and that he is good and a rewarder of those who diligently seek him.