“Dress for action like a man;
I will question you, and you make it known to me.”
– Job 38:3
Questioning God is a common human pastime. Especially when things don’t go the way we planned. “Why, God?” “Why me?” “Why them?” “Why now?” “What were you thinking?” “I need answers!” Perhaps you’ve asked your share of questions. Many have.
The resolution of Job’s story comes when God begins speaking to Job in this verse and the following chapters. Not to answer Job’s many questions and complaints. But to reveal how impossible it is for a human being to understand the answers if we ever got them. God does this by turning the tables and asking Job question after question. Questions about the creation of the universe. Questions about the patterns of nature. Questions about the weather. Questions about the wild animals of the world. Questions upon questions.
While Job never answers any of them, his answer to each question would, of course, be “I have no idea.” What God reveals to Job through dozens of questions is the enormous gap in understanding between an infinitely knowledgeable, wise, powerful, and good Creator and… us. The universe is full of secrets we can’t understand and yet, everything comes together to make life not only possible, but flourish. That’s the goodness and wisdom of God. He loves life! That love leads to situations we can’t understand because we can’t see all of space and time simultaneously the way God can. We can’t understand all the ripples and ramifications of every moment and action. But God can.
God’s questioning has its intended effect…. Job comes to understand that peace and satisfaction won’t be found in receiving answers he can’t understand. Instead, it comes from knowing God better, drawing nearer to Him, loving Him and being loved by Him. The offer is available to you through Jesus Christ! As hard as it can be during seasons of unfathomable pain, don’t pour your energy into seeking answers you won’t receive. Devote yourself to a deeper relationship of love with God! #FollowJesus