“I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. “You said, ‘Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me.’ My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.” Job 42:2-6

Have you hung up the phone to another challenge this week and asked God, “Why?” You need to learn to trust God in things you don’t understand. Read the book of Job. For 37 chapters Job asks the “why” questions: “Why is this happening to me? Why are you allowing this? Why so much pain? Why so much discomfort? Why haven’t you answered my prayers?” Have you asked those questions? I have, and other questions as well.

God askes Job things like, “Where were you when I made the universe? Can you explain the law of gravity?” And, after two chapters, Job realizes that he is just a man, and his knowledge is limited. Who is he to question God? Who are we to doubt God’s plans for our lives? What do you do in a situation where you can’t see the whole picture, things aren’t clear, and what’s happening makes no sense to you? Ain’t God good?

You remind yourself of the things you know about God. Even in the middle of his doubts, Job affirmed what he knew to be true about God. God is passionately and intimately aware of every detail that you’re going through right now. He’s paying attention to your every breath. God doesn’t miss anything. You may not understand why you’re going through what you’re going through, but you need to say this to God: “I know you’re good. I know you’re powerful. I know you see the details of my life. I know you’re in control and you have a plan.” Then, you need to trust God…no matter what.

Whatever you’re going through, tell God exactly how you feel. He can handle it! Then stop asking, “Why?” and start trusting God for the things you don’t understand.

Heavenly Father, you have called your servants to ventures of which we cannot see the ending, by paths as yet untrodden, through perils unknown. Give us faith to go out with good courage, not knowing where we go but only that your hand is leading us and your love supporting us through Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior. Amen.

May God be with you,

Jay