Discover His heart: He will humble us when necessary to produce complete trust in Him
For anyone who is questioning negative circumstances in your life today, read on. You are in good company! Many leaders in the Bible questioned God about what was happening in their lives – David, Moses, Gideon to name a few. I believe that God understands our questioning, and He wasn’t threatened or angered by their questions. However, it appears that Job had crossed a line in his own defense. When we consider ourselves so righteous that nothing negative should ever happen to us, we imply that God has made a mistake and was wrong in allowing troubles to visit our lives. At one point Job had the audacity to declare, “Look, I will sign my name to my defense. Let the Almighty answer me.” (31:35) And answer He did!
After a series of direct questions to Job regarding some of His incredible creation, the Lord asked him, “Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God’s critic, but do you have the answers?” (40:1-2) Ouch. Job had been waiting for this moment for quite some time, the moment when he could defend himself directly to God against this terrible injustice brought on him. However, all he could say was, “I am nothing—how could I ever find the answers? I will cover my mouth with my hand. I have said too much already. I have nothing more to say.”(40:4-5) Good answer, Job. It was best to cover his mouth.
Yet, God’s rebuke continued. I imagine with each of God’s pointed questions, Job sank a little closer to the ground. In the end, I envision him a small puddle on the ground with a turban resting on it. Sad to say, I can imagine this because I’ve been there.
God’s questions cause me to think about His creation differently. Have we ever thought about the horse the way God describes it? In days past, its bravery carried men to battle, with its snort and pounding hooves. Other animals would have run from the terror of combat, but not the horse. The silly ostrich, with wings yet no ability to fly, does not possess enough wisdom to protect its young, yet can run faster than the brave horse. And the Behemoth, whose identity seems to range from an enormous elephant to the Loch Ness Monster, is the strongest of creatures, yet eats grass.
God has given us the ability to choose any or all of His other creation’s attributes. We can be brave or fearful, strong or weak, silly or wise, cunning or foolish…vegan or carnivore, the list is endless. How can we fail to trust the One who has placed so much trust in us?
God’s questions to Job could have gone on for all eternity, literally, but all of His questions beg of me a more significant question or two. Will I trust the One who made me and all of creation? Is there a chance that His wisdom in any given situation is greater than my own? I cover my mouth…
Moving Forward: In awe of Who you are, I cover my mouth and trust your divine design for my life. You do not make mistakes.
Tomorrow @ Jeremiah 37-41
Phyllis Benigas 