By R.A. Mathews

How does God speak? 

Who doesn’t want that answer?

In the Book of Job, a character named Elihu says, “God speaks in one way, and in two, but man does not perceive it” (Job 33:14).

How does God speak? 

Elihu says, “In a dream, a vision of the night…He opens the ears of people… so He may turn a person away from bad conduct… a person is also rebuked by…  pain… ” (Job 33:15-19).

Remember Job — a wealthy man with a lovely family whose wisdom is sought far and wide. But Satan says that Job would curse the Lord if Job lost it all. 

So, God allows that to happen. Worse yet, Job’s friends then show up and insist that Job is to blame for his situation.

Job bitterly complains to God and demands an explanation. Elihu, who is not one of the friends, says, “Why do you complain to Him that He does not give an account of all His doings” (Job 33:13)?

Who hasn’t wanted God to speak, to understand Him in the midst of distress? We say, “Talk to me, Lord!” 

And Job does just that.

Then the Lord speaks!

This happens in two of the most powerful chapters in Scripture. “Then the Lord answered Job from the whirlwind and said, ‘Who is this who darkens the divine plan by words without knowledge? Now tighten the belt on your waist like a man, and I shall ask you, and you inform Me’” (Job 38:1-3)!

Is God angry? Absolutely. 

The Lord continues: “Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell Me… who set its measurements? Since you know… Or who enclosed the sea with doors…  [saying,] ‘As far as this point you shall come, but no farther; and here your proud waves shall stop’” (Job 38:4-11)?

If Job hadn’t thought about that, he does now. God goes on. “Have you ever in your life commanded the morning, and made the dawn know its place… Have you entered the springs of the sea, and walked in the depth of the ocean?… Where is the way to the dwelling of light? And darkness, where is its place… You know, for you were born then” (Job 38:12-19).

Of course, Job wasn’t present when the Lord created light. That’s the point.

God continues: “Have you entered the storehouses of the snow, and have you seen the storehouses of the hail… Can you bring out a constellation in its season… Can you send flashes of lightning… Is it by your understanding that the hawk soars… Is it at your command that the eagle flies high… Will the faultfinder contend with the Almighty? Let him who rebukes God give an answer” (Job 38:20-40:2).

Read those two chapters, 38 and 39. God is talking to you. 

Here’s what Job says. “I put my hand on my mouth… I will not reply” (Job 40:5). 

This is a beautiful passage: “Then Job answered the Lord and said, ‘I know that You can do all things, and that no plan is impossible for You… I have declared that which I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I do not know… I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear; But now my eye sees You; therefore, I retract, and I repent… ” (Job 42:1-6). 

This is the Book of Job.

A man suffers dearly and then challenges God, standing up for himself before the Almighty, wanting to know why. It happens every day.

God’s answer: Who are you to question Me?

The book ends with Job praying for the three friends who taunted him, and God restoring Job’s fortunes and giving him a new family (Job 42:10-17).

Do not miss one of the most important moments in this book: Job admits that he never knew God. 

The book opens with this verse: “There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job; and that man was blameless, upright, fearing God and turning away from evil.”

Job lived a holy life before the Lord, but Job didn’t know Him. Job says, “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear; But now my eye sees You” (Job 42:5).

When you lift your eyes in times of pain, sorrow, and distress, and see Who placed the constellation in the sky, you will walk steadfast, knowing Who walks with you.

All verses are from the Book of Job, NASB version. Look for the Rev. Mathews at RAMathews.com where you can contact her and read her biography and samples of her books. Copyright © 2025 R.A. Mathews. All rights reserved.