When God Prepares the young

Grace Ministries USA Daily Devotional
Job 32–34: 'When God Prepares the Young'

Hey Grace family, welcome back to the Daily Devotional.
Today we’re diving into a powerful, raw, and often overlooked part of the book of Job—chapters 32 through 34.

This is where a young man named Elihu finally speaks up.
He’s been quiet—listening to Job and his friends go back and forth, chapter after chapter.
But now, it’s his turn. And when he opens his mouth, God uses him powerfully.

Let’s walk through this together.

Part 1 – When Everyone Else Is Finished (Job 32:1–5)
imagine this with me,

Job is broken—physically, emotionally, spiritually. He’s poured out his heart.

His friends have spoken—and honestly, they haven’t helped.

Now they’re silent.

And that’s when Elihu steps in.

“So these three men stopped answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. But Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite... burned with anger.” (Job 32:1–2)

Elihu is young, and he’s been respectful. He’s waited.

But now he’s burning—not with disrespect, but with righteous anger.

He’s upset for two reasons:

1. Because Job justified himself rather than God.

2. Because the others condemned Job without truly answering him.

Sometimes the people who seem “least likely” to speak are the ones God has been preparing the longest.

Elihu didn’t speak out of turn—he spoke out of burden.

And that’s a model for us. Don’t rush to speak. Don’t stay silent out of fear.

Wait for God’s timing—and when He says speak, speak boldly.

Part 2 – Wisdom Is from God, Not Just Age (Job 32:6–10)
“I am young in years, and you are old; that is why I was fearful... But it is the spirit in a person, the breath of the Almighty, that gives them understanding.” (Job 32:6–8)

Wisdom doesn’t belong to the old. It belongs to the obedient.

God gives wisdom by His Spirit—not by birthday count.

Yes, we honor elders. Yes, we value experience.

But when the Spirit of God puts a word in you, you’re never “too young” to be used.
I’m 45,
If God gave you a burden, it’s because He intends for it to be shared.

Part 3 – When Anger Is Holy (Job 32:11–22)
Elihu says something striking:

“I waited for you to speak… I listened closely… but not one of you proved Job wrong.”

He isn’t just mad for the sake of it—he’s grieved.

Grieved that truth was being trampled.

Grieved that Job’s friends offered empty words.

Grieved that Job, in his suffering, started focusing more on his own righteousness than God’s.

This is righteous anger.

There’s a holy fire that rises up in us—not to destroy, but to defend God’s name and His truth.

And Elihu is carrying it.

Part 4 – A Heart to Build, Not Break (Job 33:1–7)
Elihu turns directly to Job now. And look how he speaks:

“But now, Job, listen to my words... I too was formed out of clay.”

He’s not coming to crush Job—he’s coming with compassion.

“I’m just like you, Job. I bleed. I suffer. I’m not better than you.”

Truth is powerful. But when it’s wrapped in humility, it becomes healing.

Speak the truth—but speak it with a heart that wants to build, not break.

Part 5 – God Speaks in Many Ways (Job 33:12–30)
Elihu gives us something beautiful and profound.

“God does speak—now one way, now another—though no one perceives it.” (Job 33:14)

He lists the ways:

- Through dreams

- Through pain

- Through suffering

- Through messengers

- Through mercy

God is speaking. He’s not silent. We’re just not always listening the way we should.

God speaks—but we must be willing to listen in the uncomfortable.

Part 6 – Guarding Against Self-Righteousness (Job 34:5–9)
Job says, ‘I am innocent... Yet God denies me justice.’” (Job 34:5)

Job started off crying to God… but over time, his words shifted.

Now, he’s starting to imply that God is unfair.

That’s a dangerous slope.

Pain can twist our perspective. If we’re not careful, we begin to believe God owes us answers.

But the truth is—God is good, even when we don’t get it.

His justice is perfect, even when our situation is painful.

Suffering doesn’t give us permission to accuse the God who sees what we cannot.

Part 7 – The Justice of God Stands Firm (Job 34:10–37)
“Far be it from God to do evil, from the Almighty to do wrong.” (Job 34:10)

God cannot be unjust.

He may allow suffering. He may stay silent for a season.

But He is never wrong. Never cruel. Never careless.

Pain will tempt you to question God’s character.

But faith clings to what is true—even when feelings scream otherwise.

Final Reflection: What Elihu Teaches Us
Elihu doesn’t have all the answers. He’s not the hero of the story.

But God doesn’t rebuke him like He does the others.

Why? Because Elihu was right in heart and intent.

He waited.

He listened.

He spoke with boldness and humility.

And he pointed Job back to the justice, mercy, and sovereignty of God.

That’s what a true friend does.

As we close today, reflect on this:

- Is God calling you to speak—but you’re holding back?

- Are you willing to speak truth in love, even when it’s uncomfortable?

- Are you listening for God’s voice—even in pain or silence?

- Is there any self-righteousness that’s crept in during your suffering?

God is still speaking—if we’re willing to listen.

Closing Prayer
Father, thank You for speaking through Elihu.

Thank You for reminding us that Your voice isn’t limited by age or experience.

Teach us to listen when You’re silent.

To speak when You give us words.

And to trust You—especially when we don’t understand.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.
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And keep an eye out—soon we’ll be launching a new project called Fatherless Times. We can’t wait to share more.

Until then, stay faithful, stay prayerful, and remember—God is always speaking.