Creator, Father, King #328

Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words?

REMEMBER OUR BUDDY JOB?

As we continue our study of life’s trials, it’s only natural to turn our attention to this remarkable man of faith and perseverance. No other person in Scripture is more associated with extreme adversity than he is.

As you recall from the April 30 devotion, Job was “a man of complete integrity” (Job 1:1), but God allowed Satan to inflict terrible hardships upon him, including the loss of his exceeding wealth, his ten children, and his health. As Job wrestled with his plight, he asked God why he was even born (10:18) and accused God of wronging him (19:6).

Finally, God answered Job from a mighty whirlwind. He asked Job a series of pointed rhetorical questions, such as today’s verse: “Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words?” The implication was that Job—as a small, created being—had no right to question the Creator’s governance of the universe. The fact that God also never provides any reasons for Job’s trials is significant.

What’s It Mean?

God never wishes evil on his children. He is not sadistic or capricious in his dealings with mankind. He does not delight in our hardships.

But God sometimes allows us to endure evil. Why? God usually doesn’t reveal this to us. There is great mystery here that exceeds our finite human comprehension.

When discussing human trials, we need to remember the difference between God’s “revealed will” and his “hidden will.” (See the May 13 devotion.) There are many things in life—including our trials—that God has chosen to keep hidden (Deuteronomy 29:29).

As in Job’s case, God doesn’t owe us any answers. In fact, God doesn’t owe us anything. Whatever God reveals to us—especially his love for us through Christ—is a gift of his grace. When you acknowledge that, your trials won’t magically disappear or become weirdly fun, but you will find them easier to deal with as you rest in God’s providence.

What’s more, you can always trust in God’s love, righteousness, and wisdom. He always does what’s best for you (Romans 8:28), and he uses trials to strengthen your faith (James 1:2-4).

Knowing that, you can echo Job’s words in Job 42:3: “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.”

Now What?

When you endure a trial, ask God for wisdom, strength, and endurance, but never question his goodness.

Did You Know?

Ezekiel (14:14) and James (5:11) wrote about Job, showing that he was a real person, not an allegorical figure.