TRUST
TRUST
“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away; may the name of the Lord be praised.” In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing. —Job 1:21-22
I have no peace, no quietness; I have no rest, but only turmoil.” —Job 3:26
Then Job answered the Lord: “I am unworthy—how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth. I spoke once, but I have no answer— twice, but I will say no more.” —Job 40:3-5
Messenger 1: your oxen and donkeys were stolen, your servants slaughtered and I am the only one that escaped to tell you. While he was still speaking— Messenger 2: your sheep and servants were burned up by the fire of God that fell from heaven. I am the only one that escaped to tell you. While he was still speaking— Messenger 3: your camels were stolen, your servants slaughtered and I am the only one that escaped to tell you. While he was still speaking— Messenger 4: your seven sons and three daughters died as the house collapsed on them from a strong wind. I am the only one that escaped to tell you. In the space of a few minutes Jobs life was completely altered.
Life for a follower of the Lord can change very quickly. Jesus told us that in this world we will have tribulation (John 16:33). It comes in various forms, but it will come. When it does the Lord has not changed toward us. What will or is our attitude toward Him in tribulation?
Job initially fell to the ground in worship (Job 1:20). But then he had many thoughts. He wished he hadn’t been born (Job 3). He believed God was against him (Job 6-7, 16, 18-19). He wanted to explain to God his innocence (Job 9-10, 23, 27, 31). He wondered why the wicked are secure (Job 12, 21). He wanted to let God know he was innocent and should not be going through this (Job 12). He wondered why the wicked don’t suffer, but the righteous do (Job 24). Job longed for the “good ole days” (Job 29). He felt like his life is ebbing away (Job 30).
Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm. He said: “Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge?” (Job 38:1-2). When the Lord finished questioning Job then Job responded, “You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know” (Job 42:3).
Like Job we ask questions about why we go through difficulties. But also like Job we do “not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.” God’s bigger picture is not known to us and when we go through difficulty we struggle as to how that fits into that picture, but “He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he” (Deuteronomy 32:4). Oh, that you and I would trust Him with those things we do not understand! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wsQ58qn7G_4
Dear Father, I understand only what You desire to reveal for Your purposes. May I fully trust You for those things You have chosen not to reveal, even when my emotions are screaming out for explanation. Yes, may I trust You through the power of Your Holy Spirit and in the authority of Jesus. So be it!