It is written, Part 2

We continue reflecting on Scripture (with the next seven days downloadable below):

8.    When Questions Are Our Answers

“Who is this that obscures My plans with words without knowledge?

Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer Me.

Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?

Tell Me, if you understand.” (Job 38:2-4)

Job is considered the oldest writing in the Hebrew Scriptures. Throughout time, we have wondered about the power and goodness of God in a world filled with pain. The tragedies Job suffered set the stage for us to reflect on our own problems.

From the outset we see that God hears the accusations of the ancient accuser. Our enemy believes the only reason that Job follows God is because God blesses him. God allows the adversary to destroy Job’s possessions and children. But we see that Job stands fast: “In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing” (Job 1:21).

Satan is not satisfied. He believes Job has not left God because he still has good health. God allows a serious skin ailment to attack Job’s body, but He will not let the enemy take Job’s life. We read throughout the rest of the book how Job struggles with his losses, but he himself is not lost. He and his friends struggle to know why God allows such suffering. 

At the end of Job’s book, God speaks. He does not answer with logic or propositions. God  answers Job with questions of His own, questions whose answers illustrate His immense power and wisdom.

God works in His creation by doing wonders greater than any one person or event. He uses all things for His glory. God’s ways are as mysterious as they are marvelous. Too often we get lost in our own questions and ideas. We lose sight of the God who is far bigger than our experiences. 

Let us lean upon the Almighty who has spoken and revealed Himself to us. Let’s trust in our God who is doing greater things than we can perceive. Let’s trust in our God who, in His might and wisdom, still cares for the lilies in the field and the sparrows of the sky. We may feel lost in the midst of our life’s losses, but our God is for us even in His mysterious ways.

Jesus, as You know our pain and misery,

meet us here and lift our eyes up to the Father who loves us.

Click the link to download the second set of seven day reflections: