Job 38:1-3, 12
1 Then the LORD spoke to Job out of the storm. He said:
2 “Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge?
3 Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer Me.
12 “Have you ever given orders to the morning, or shown the dawn its place?”
Wow, I read this passage in Job and think, “Oh, Lord, I better put on my seat belt, because God’s about to rock me!” When I read the passage in verse 2, I imagine the Lord saying, in a Mr. T voice, “I pity the fool, who thinks he can question Me,” and we all know how intimidating Mr. T can be.
A few weeks ago, I was reminded of this passage of Scripture, as I processed a conversation with a friend about hearing and obeying the voice of God Almighty, and how I’ve been questioning God about the need for transition or change — what is there to be gained when it seems as though everything around you is changing? I tend to ask God, “Will you accept my lament, which at times seems like I’m being a bratty kid?” Any moment now, I feel the Lord getting ready to sit me down and say, “Strap in, because ‘I won’t pity the fool.’” I’m beginning to understand that my questioning stems from a stubbornness to accept the truth that I’m not in control, God is.
But then I read verse 12, which brings a calm to my internal storm… oh yeah, that’s right, I don’t give any orders or control any part of this universe, but I know the One who does, and I can trust He knows what He’s doing. The hard part is being OK with not being in control. It’s important to note, that after all of Job’s questioning, God was gracious to answer him. It most likely was very humbling for Job, especially when God goes on for five chapters, but His mercy usually is humbling.
I challenge you this week, if you don’t do this already, take a moment in silence, for three to five minutes, and simply ask the Lord, “Where have I not recognized Your good work in my life? Help me recognize Your work in the small things and short moments.”
“Lord, help us not fear to be humbled, because it’s the main way You elevate us. I pray the Holy Spirit helps us to recognize Your constant good work in our lives.”
Pastor Brian Majors |
