February 20, 2013 (Wednesday)
“I have seen you with my own eyes”– Job
Job was a good man who enjoyed the blessings of God in many ways. Suddenly, everything he had, including his health, was taken from him. At first, he seemed to accept his fate without murmuring or complaining. As his suffering intensified and continued day after day, he came to God with questions about it all. Finally, Job came to a place in his life where he wanted answers.
We understand why Job wanted answers. We, too, have cried out to God, “Why?”
Instead of answers, however, what he got from God were questions, like,”Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Who kept the sea inside its boundaries? Have you ever caused the dawn to rise in the east? Where does the light come from? Where does the darkness go? Who laid out the path for the lightning? Who makes the rain to fall? Can you direct the movement of the stars? Have you given the horse its strength? Is it your wisdom that makes the hawk soar and spread its wings?” 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?” 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..I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes. I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance.”
The answers Job sought never came. Instead, he caught a glimpse of the majesty, power and holiness of God and humbled himself. His faith was thus strengthened, and he discovered God anew. Perhaps Job’s experience has been yours also.