Is God Your Imaginary Friend or The Almighty Ruler of the Universe? Job 40:1-2

Today’s Scripture Reading: Job 38:1-40:5

For about ten days we’ve been in the midst of Job’s tests and trials. I don’t think many people have gone through as much pain as Job did and lived to tell about it.  Job is one of those stories that you definitely don’t want to read when everything in your life is going great, after all his troubles could be contagious.  You certainly don’t want to read the book of Job if you believe Christians don’t suffer.

But, if you are a child of God and your life is falling apart all around you and it just doesn’t make sense, Job is the book to read.

Why?

It lets us know–

• Bad things happen to good people (Job 1:1-2)
• Trials and tests don’t necessarily mean we’ve sinned or been punished (Job 1:8-12)
• Evil comes from Satan and our sinful nature (Job 1:6-7)
• Everything that happens to us is filtered through the fingers of a loving God (Job 1:8-12)
• Christians are tested (Job 1:12)
• God is still in charge and defines the boundaries (Job 1:12)
• God’s ways aren’t our ways (Job 1:12)
• We are very small and God is very big (Job 38)

Today, Job found out just how small he was:

Then the Lord answered Job from the whirlwind:

“Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words?
Brace yourself like a man, because I have some questions for you, and you must answer them. Job 38: 1-3

God asked Job 53 questions of which Job had no answers.  His last statement to Job summed up the one-way conversation:

Then the Lord said to Job, “Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God’s critic, but do you have the answers?” –Job 40:1-2

Sometimes I think today’s Christian culture has made God more like an imaginary friend than the one, true, living God; the Creator of the universe and Savior of the world.

I think when we come face to face with God our words will probably sound something like Job’s:

Then Job replied to the Lord,

“I am nothing—how could I ever find the answers? I will cover my mouth with my hand. I have said too much already. I have nothing more to say.”  –Job 40:3-5

Heavenly Father, forgive us for thinking You are our servant.  Forgive us for questioning Your plan.

Teach us the balance

Petitioning You to–

• Meet our needs
• Rescue us from our trials
• Heal our bodies
• Protect those we love
• Prosper us financially

While

Trusting Your Sovereignty.

Help us to remember Your ways aren’t our ways.  Help us to have faith to believe You will answer our prayer AND then trust You enough to say,  ”Your will be done, O Lord.”

In Jesus’ Name.  Amen and Amen!

©2013, Dianne Guthmuller

Tomorrow’s Scripture Reading: Job 40:6-42:17