This has probably been my boldest writing by far. I have exceeded all previous boundaries by composing most of this essay in first person—where the sovereign, majestic God is speaking. I have done so with great reverence, taking much precaution to ensure that God is not misquoted. My intention has been to encourage and spur our faith in our faithful, never-failing God. May this writing do just that.
It is not uncommon for Christians to express their exasperation while praying. Like the Psalmist, we too cry, “How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? How long will my enemy be exalted over me” (Psa. 13:1, 2)? Like Job we vex, “I am disgusted with my life. Let me complain freely. My bitter soul must complain. I will say to God, ‘Don’t simply condemn me—tell me the charge you are bringing against me’ ” (Job 10:1, 2 NLT). The Lord being the patient, merciful God that He is bears with our ranting. He endures with the prayers we make about how great our problem is. He patiently hears our complaint of how we feel He does not pay heed to our tears. We express ourselves as though we are the centre of the universe.
However, should like Job, we say, “I would speak directly to the Almighty. I want to argue my case with God Himself” (Job 13:3 NLT), we may hear the Most High answer from out of 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 38:2, 3 NLT).
Have you so much wisdom and understanding that you find yourself qualified to instruct me? “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell me, if you know so much. Who determined its dimensions and stretched out the surveying line? What supports its foundations, and who laid its cornerstone as the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy” (Job 38:4-7 NLT)?
With regard to power, “Can you direct the movement of the stars—binding the cluster of the Pleiades or loosening the cords of Orion? Can you direct the constellations through the seasons or guide the Bear with her cubs across the heavens? Do you know the laws of the universe? Can you use them to regulate the earth” (Job 38:31-33 NLT)?
Do you have authority and might? “For I have placed the sand as a boundary for the sea; an eternal decree so it cannot cross over it. Though the waves toss, yet they cannot prevail. Though they roar, yet they cannot cross over it” (Jer. 5:22 NASB). “Can you shout to the clouds and make it rain? Can you make lightning appear and cause it to strike as you direct” (Job 38:34, 35 NLT)?
Can you provide for beast and bird? “Can you stalk prey for a lioness and satisfy the young lions’ appetites as they lie in their dens or crouch in the thicket? Who provides food for the ravens when their young cry out to God and wander about in hunger” (Job 38:39-41 NLT)?
Are you caring and protective? “Do you know when the wild goats give birth? Have you watched as deer are born in the wild? Do you know how many months they carry their young? Are you aware of the time of their delivery? They crouch down to give birth to their young and deliver their offspring. Their young grow up in the open fields, then leave home and never return” (Job 39:1-4 NLT).
As for justice, “Would you dare to claim that I am not being fair? Would you judge me in order to make yourself seem right? Is your arm as powerful as mine is? Can your voice thunder as mine does? Then put on glory and beauty as if they were your clothes. Also put on honour and majesty. Let loose your great anger. Look at those who are proud and bring them low. Look at proud people and make them humble. Crush evil people right where they are. Bury their bodies together in the dust. Cover their faces in the grave. Then I myself will admit to you that your own right hand can save you” (Job 40:8-14 NIRV).
If no one dares disturb the great leviathan, who then can stand up to me, its Maker? Who has given me anything that I need to pay back? Everything under heaven is mine (Job 41:10, 11).
Yet I have loved you with an everlasting love (Jer. 31:3). Of all My creation, you were the only one I made in My image and according to My likeness (Gen. 1:26). I gave you authority over all living creatures on earth (Gen. 1:26). I made you for a little while a little lower than the angels (Heb. 2:7) and caused them to be ministering spirits to you (Heb. 1:14). I care for you more than the birds of the air and the lilies of the field (Lk. 12:7; Mt. 6:26, 30).
Did I not choose you even before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:4)? It is not to angels that I have given control of the world to come, have I (Heb. 2:5)? Though you were far away from Me, having no hope and without God in the world, did I not draw you to Myself (Eph. 2:12, 13)? If while you were yet a sinner, I did not spare My only begotten Son, Christ Jesus, but delivered Him over to die for you, will I not freely give you all things (Rom. 8:32)? Have I not promised that I will never leave you nor forsake you (Heb. 13:5b) but that I am with you always even to the end of the age (Mt. 28:20b)?
Why then are you fearful, O you of little faith (Mt. 8:26)? By worrying can you add a single hour to your life’s span? If you cannot do even a very little thing, why do you worry about other matters (Lk. 12:25, 26)? If you being evil know how to give good things to your children, will I not give you that which is greater (Mt. 7:11)?
Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God’s critic, but do you have the answers (Job 40:2 NLT)?
May like Job, we too come to the realization that “I am nothing—how could I ever find the answers? I cover my mouth with my hand. I have said too much already. I have nothing more to say” (Job 40:4, 5 NLT). May we confess to the Most High, “I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you (Job 42:2 NLT). I talk about things I know nothing about; things far too wonderful for me (Job 42:3 NLT). May we realize that in all of life’s challenges, God’s attention is not just on us, yet it’s all about us.
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