When we think of someone in the Bible who experienced dark times, Job has to be near the top of the list. Because he was the most righteous man on the earth in his day, the enemy wiped out his family, his livelihood, and even threatened his health. But when we fast-forward to chapter 42 after many chapters of questions and discussions, we find an amazing revelation as a response to his suffering.
Listen to verses 1-6 …
Then Job replied to the Lord: “I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you. You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’ It is I—and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me. You said, ‘Listen and I will speak! I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.’ I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes. I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance.” (NLT) Throughout our lives, God gives blessings while He allows suffering. He alone decides what we need, when we need it, and as a good Father, what will keep us close to Him day by day.
Listen now to this same passage in The Message Bible … Job answered God: “I’m convinced: You can do anything and everything. Nothing and no one can upset your plans. You asked, ‘Who is this muddying the water, ignorantly confusing the issue, second-guessing my purposes?’ I admit it. I was the one. I babbled on about things far beyond me, made small talk about wonders way over my head. You told me, ‘Listen, and let me do the talking. Let me ask the questions. You give the answers.’ I admit I once lived by rumors of you; now I have it all firsthand—from my own eyes and ears! I’m sorry—forgive me. I’ll never do that again, I promise! I’ll never again live on crusts of hearsay, crumbs of rumor.”
How do you tend to respond when hard things happen in your life? Maybe here we go again? Why me, Lord? I’ll just put my head down and get through this?
Whether blessing or hardship, a great prayer to pray is: God, show me what You are doing. How do you want me to respond to this?
What we can learn from Job’s suffering and his response is that God wants us to have a first-hand experience with Him, not live off of rumors or someone else’s experience. That’s what a close relationship is all about.
Let’s pray together: “Heavenly Father, I have to admit I want all blessing and no suffering. Yet, I know I tend to grow the most when things get tough. Help me to look for how I can know You first-hand, like a Father to His child. As above, so below.”