Scripture:
Job 40:1-9 ESV
[1] And the Lord said to Job: [2] “Shall a faultfinder contend with the Almighty? He who argues with God, let him answer it.” [3] Then Job answered the Lord and said: [4] “Behold, I am of small account; what shall I answer you? I lay my hand on my mouth. [5] I have spoken once, and I will not answer twice, but I will proceed no further.” [6] Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind and said: [7] “Dress for action like a man; I will question you, and you make it known to me. [8] Will you even put me in the wrong? Will you condemn me that you may be in the right? [9] Have you an arm like God, and can you thunder with a voice like his?
Observation:
GOD has waited to speak. HE has listened to all that has been said between Job and his friends and has finally chosen this time to say what is needed. Job figures out quickly it’s time to shut up. Understanding his place. He is nothing without GOD. Job’s response is to remain silent because he knows that no matter what GOD says, it’s right. GOD’S call is to Job is for action he is told to get ready because the Almighty has some questions for him. The first question in the chapter is very important… Job is asked how can we say that GOD is wrong and we are right. How can we condemn HIM? We don’t even hold a candle to HIM. GOD created the earth and stars and put all things in place.
Application:
Who are we to question GOD? HE knows exactly what HE is doing, and HE is either in control or HE is not. How can we place blame on HIM? I believe that we have to keep things in perspective. We have to know our place. HE made us….we did not make HIM. I have a question: Who in this thread has at some point blamed GOD for something that the enemy has done? The Bible says that the enemy comes to steal, kill, and destroy, and then it very clearly states that HE came to give us life and that in more abundance. So that being said, when someone close to us dies, who did that? Why do we blame GOD for it? Honestly, who are we to question it? I think we have to remain right-sized. We have to know Romans 8:28. Job had gone through it. Just like most of us have, the purpose is the point. Job was proven to be faithful to GOD, and when GOD started to speak in chapter 38, Job quickly knew his place. Are we supposed to cry out to GOD in our hurting …..of course, we are. However, let’s remain right-sized. HE is not a GOD of our own understanding because who can understand the deep things of GOD but GOD HIMSELF? HE is However the one true GOD that understands us because HE made us.
Prayer:
Father, we don’t always have the answers to all of life’s questions, but we know that you do. We don’t know why things happen the way they do. However, we know that you will make all things work for the good of those who love you and are called according to your purpose. You are a good father, and your plans for us are good. You are in complete control. Our job is just to trust YOU. Father, let us remain right-sized, knowing that not one thing slips your mind and that you are thinking about us. Help us to seek your face and not your hand. Because honestly, you could bless us if you wanted to…. but if we didn’t know who you were, it would all be a waste. We would squander it all away. So, just help us to understand you. To know you to seek after you to want to know you more. My heart cries out for you, Father, it cries out for those who are still struggling, it cries out in my struggles, it cries out for those who don’t know you. In times of struggle, help us seek your face in times of blessings, help us seek your face because Father knowing you is way more important than knowing what you can do for us. It’s in Jesus’ name. I pray, amen.