Job 35

Does it even matter?

_{“If you are righteous, what do you give to Him, or what does He receive from your hand?” ~ Job 35:7}

There have been moments in my journey where I wondered, “Is any of this making a difference?” Times when I’ve served faithfully, prayed earnestly, and lived honestly and yet didn’t feel seen or rewarded. I wasn’t expecting applause, but I did long for assurance that God noticed.

In Job 35, Elihu reminds Job that God doesn’t need anything from us because He is completely self-sufficient. Yet our lives still matter profoundly, because God has chosen to work through His people to reach the world. Our righteousness in Christ Jesus doesn’t add something God lacks, but it does become part of how His purposes unfold on earth. He set it up so that you and I actually share in accomplishing His plan right where we are.

Now I know that when I obey God and follow His direction, it’s not just about pleasing Him, though it certainly delights His heart. It’s also about participating in a bigger story. Every unseen act of faithfulness is a God-ordained link in a chain that touches lives I may never meet.

Here are three ways to live confidently when it feels like your efforts aren’t making a difference:

1. Remember that your righteousness is a response, not a requirement.

We don’t serve God to make Him love us, we serve because He already does.
Each morning, ask, “How can I respond to God’s love today?”
Trying to earn His approval leads to frustration and exhaustion.

2. Live by faith, not by feelings.

Some days, doing what’s right feels unnoticed, but God doesn’t miss a thing.
Jot down one quiet act of obedience this week, something only God saw. Offer it to Him with gratitude.
Letting emotions drive your commitment causes your faith to waver.

3. Trust that God multiplies the unseen.

Obedience often grows underground before it’s visible.
Pray, “Lord, I trust that nothing I do for You is wasted. Please use it to reach others.”
Quitting because you can’t see results may cause you to miss the harvest God is preparing.

Today I want to encourage you because your life matters to God, not because He lacks anything, but because He lovingly chose to weave your obedience into His rescue plan for others. Job 35 reminds us that righteousness isn’t transactional; it’s transformational. Keep walking in faith. Your unseen steps are threads in a tapestry God is stitching together for His glory and the good of many.

Today’s scripture reading: Job 35

1 Then Elihu said:

2 “Do you think it is right for you to claim, ‘I am righteous before God’?

3 For you also ask, ‘What’s in it for me? What’s the use of living a righteous life?’

4 “I will answer you and all your friends, too.

5 Look up into the sky, and see the clouds high above you.

6 If you sin, how does that affect God? Even if you sin again and again, what effect will it have on him?

7 If you are good, is this some great gift to him? What could you possibly give him?

8 No, your sins affect only people like yourself, and your good deeds also affect only humans.

9 “People cry out when they are oppressed. They groan beneath the power of the mighty.

10 Yet they don’t ask, ‘Where is God my Creator, the one who gives songs in the night?

11 Where is the one who makes us smarter than the animals and wiser than the birds of the sky?’

12 And when they cry out, God does not answer because of their pride.

13 But it is wrong to say God doesn’t listen, to say the Almighty isn’t concerned.

14 You say you can’t see him, but he will bring justice if you will only wait.

15 You say he does not respond to sinners with anger and is not greatly concerned about wickedness.

16 But you are talking nonsense, Job. You have spoken like a fool.”

Journal:

• Where have you wondered if your faithfulness matters?
• Write it down, then pray: “Father, use my obedience as part of Your plan. Help me trust that every small step counts in reaching others for You.”