So, I’ve been waiting for this. While reading through the book of Job, I’ve been waiting for God’s response. I’ve listened to Job’s arguments about wanting to question God and how he wants God to prove that he’s guilty. I’ve listened to Job’s friends rebuke him, and in my estimation use some of the worst, man-thought-up, theology ever conceived. I’ve even listened to a guy rant and rave, that though he’s the youngest of them all, and the least experienced, still he had all the answers and should be listened to.
Now God is going to speak. This is the moment you might want to buckle your seatbelt and hold on tight. This is what the Word says,
“From out of a storm, the LORD said to Job…” —Job 38:1
If you stopped reading the book of Job right there, those words should convey enough for you, “The LORD said…”
After all the silence and letting man dribble on and on, now God speaks. But what God says to Job, I’m sure, is not what Job was ready or wanting to hear. Job wanted to question God, but what happens is: God starts questioning Job.
“Why do you talk so much when you know so little?” —Job 38:2
“How did I lay the foundation for the earth? Were you there?” —Job 38:4
“Did you ever tell the sun to rise?” —Job 38:12
God reminds Job that he is merely human and because of that is very limited. However, God is limitless!
Job wanted to have all of his “why?’ questions answered. He wanted to know God’s plan in allowing all the bad stuff that’s happened to him. However, God isn’t interested in answering Job’s “why?” questions. God doesn’t give Job the “why?” he wants, but He does give him the “WHO!” he needs.
God reminds Job that he is limited to time and space, but God is not. God has been from the beginning of time and will be till the end of time, which means He sees everything in between. He has been there for everything Job endured. What God knows, that Job does not, is how all of his suffering fits into the big picture of history. He knows how Job’s suffering is working for Job and the eternal weight of glory beyond his comprehension.
Here’s my word of encouragement for you today
God is still speaking to us. He hasn’t forgotten or abandoned us. You have not slipped through the cracks and gone unnoticed. I don’t know what you’re facing today, but, God knows… God sees… God hears… and He can still be trusted. Things may make absolutely no sense in your life, at least from your limited viewpoint. But remember, God has the advantage in seeing His plan unfold in your life. He may not tell you “why?” but He’ll always tell you “Who!”
Father,
Remind me today to trust You for everything. In Jesus name I ask this, Amen.
—Rev. Dr. MM Marxhausen
Mark was Spiritual Director for VdC from 2016 to 2019. He's written many of the devotions, especially the Devote and Affirm series, found on this website.
