SIMPLY WONDERFUL

Jobs 42:2-3

I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be hindered. I have dealt with great things that I do not understand; things too wonderful for me, which I cannot know.

The Lord God has continuously blessed us with good things day-in and day-out but we simply ignore them and still yearn for more. It is sad to say that we could only realize these great things once we experience sufferings. Like Job, he was able to understand the real purpose of his life after experiencing the turbulence in his life that left with nothing at all – even his family. And yet, he persevered to put his life in God’s hands for He knows everything and men knows nothing.

The Book of Job in the Bible deals with this problem in a beautifully poetic manner. Job is a righteous, God-fearing man (Job 1:1); however, God allows Satan to inflict Job with horrible disasters and disease to test his loyalty. Satan wants to show God that Job's faith is false (Job 2:3-7). Under intense suffering Job argues with "friends" about the suffering of the innocent. God responds by telling Job that His wisdom and power are beyond man’s ability to understand. Also man is not in control of the universe: his virtues alone do not ensure earthly happiness. Job humbly closes the debate with the words:

I have dealt with great things that I do not understand; things too wonderful for me, which I cannot know...Therefore I disown what I have said, and repent in dust and ashes.

Pain, suffering and death are integral parts of the material world due to Adam's sin, but Christianity offers hope through the suffering of Jesus Christ. Evil in this world is not a disproof of God, but a constant reminder of our need for the perfect God of the Bible (2 Cor 1:8-9).

Let us pray +

Almighty Father, there are things in life that we simply cannot understand so all the more that we need to trust in You. In our suffering we share in the suffering of Christ so in heaven we may share in His glory.

Amen +

Teach me wisdom and knowledge, for in Your commands I trust.