The book of Job is a book of recorded conversations. In the midst of a series of painful losses, Job talks with his wife and each of his three friends, none of whom offer much advice or true encouragement.
Many questions are raised but none as powerful as the very questions God asks of Job, of which a few were:
- “Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words?” (Job 38:2, NLT)
- “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? (verse 4)
- “Where does light come from and where does the darkness go? (verse 19)
- “Can you make lightning appear and cause it to strike as you direct?” (verse 35)
- “Have you given the horse its strength or clothed its neck with a flowing mane?” (39:19)
- “Are you as strong as God? Can you thunder with a voice like his?” (40:9)
God challenges Job with every question to make Job realize his smallness, his lack of power, and limited wisdom. Job had much to say in conversation until God Himself spoke. Now he was silenced. No rebuttal was even possible.
The challenges which God brought were not to win a verbal battle. God wanted to bring Job, and by way of Scripture – us, to an understanding of Himself:
- Anything and nothing. God can do anything. Anything. Nothing is too hard or impossible for God.
- Nothing can get in His way. God’s plans will not be stopped or hindered or thwarted. They will be fulfilled.
- There is no one like God. God stands alone. There is no one to whom God can compare.
In the posing of His questions, God brings understanding to Job. He brings Job to the realization:
“I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes.”
(Job 42:5, NLT)
In the middle of the most difficult times in his life, God overwhelmed Job with the truth of Himself. Every experience in our lives, both good and difficult, is designed to bring us to declare, “I know my God and that is enough!”
He is God alone –
And that’s just the way it is.
Today I am joining … Moments of Hope and Tune In Thursday and Heart Encouragement and Destination Inspiration .
Nothing can get in God’s way. What a comfort! I often have to remind myself that I, nor anyone or anything, can thwart God’s plans! Enjoyed being your neighbor on #DestinationInspiration today. 🙂
Emily, it is a powerful truth we can so often lose sight of. May we remember it is His plans that will prevail in all circumstances.
Beautiful reflections, Joanne, on the book of Job. “There is no one to whom God can compare.” Amen!
There is a powerful YouTube video on Job by Bob Sorge, answering the question “Can you find a God of mercy in the book of Job?” Have you seen it? So good.
Crystal, I had not ever heard of it but I just watched it. Very powerful!! Thank you for sharing it with me!
This truth doesn’t always sit easily with us, but when we can allow ourselves moments of acceptance with it, there is peace. “In the middle of the most difficult times in his life, God overwhelmed Job with the truth of Himself. Every experience in our lives, both good and difficult, is designed to bring us to declare, “I know my God and that is enough!””
Thanks, Joanne!
There is comfort in knowing that I can’t understand God or His ways, but I can trust He is always good and knows best.