I have screamed with Job’s voice before.
I have asked, “Why? No, I have SCREAMED, “WHY?!!!”
A voice spoke from heaven, thundering, though only a whisper.
A whisper both fearful and tender, commanding and sure.
“Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge?”
I did not dare answer. Fear had set in. Discretion over valor.
I was sure He knew my name and agreed my words lacked knowledge.
“Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me.”
“Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Tell me, if you
understand.”
“Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know!”
I did not know, and couldn’t understand what this had to do with ME?
Of course I wasn’t there! Of course I don’t know about the earth’s
foundation, but what of MY problems, MY pain and sorrow?
This time the voice was far more tender and the whisper, gentle.
“Come to me, you who are weary and burdened, I will give you rest.”
I was very weary and burdened and I surely needed this rest.
So I reclined and listened as He spoke.
“Have you ever given orders to the morning, or shown the dawn its place…?”
“Have you comprehended the vast expanses of the earth?”
“Who endowed the heart with wisdom or gave understanding to the mind?”
“Who provides food for the raven when its young cry…?”
Not me!!! I did none of these things and knew nothing of them.
God did all this and understood all these things.
It then seemed obvious – my troubles and trials are known to Him.
He who provides food for the raven when its young cry, understands me.
Of my sufferings and trials He said, “You may not know why, but I do.”
The truth is, I have a finite mind which cannot fathom the infinite.
Something I had not to that point considered.
Truthfully, I could not have understood had God in His kindness told me all.
I don’t know why and I don’t need to know why…as long as I know who.
God! that is who. He knows my problems and He knows me.
This joined with His complete love for me, comforts me.
I drive because I trust the car’s designer and builder.
I fly because I trust the airplane’s maker and the pilot.
I live because I trust my maker and my pilot.
I asked and He answered, thankfully with a whisper,
I dare think how I would survive should He shout.
“Surely I spoke of things I did not understand,
things too wonderful for me to know.”
Job 38, Job 40:1-5, Job 42:1-6, Matt. 11:28