Job 42:1–6 ‘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.’ (v3
Job’s story is tragic but influential. Ezekiel names him with Noah and Daniel to help illustrate how bad Jerusalem’s situation is, and James references him alongside the prophets to encourage perseverance. Job teaches us about God’s will. In a moment, Job lost his family, went bankrupt and suffered a painful health condition. On his own admission he could not make sense of his life but recognised that he was incapable of comprehending God’s ways. Suffering an immense personal tragedy, Job refused to let go of God, even though his friends felt there was some hidden sin that meant he had.
God is described as a mystery, something inexplicable. We may take a view on how God could run creation, yet He operates on a scale that lies beyond the capacity of the brightest human brain. No matter what we discover, we shall never fathom God’s ways. It is why we are to humble ourselves and kneel at His feet. It is sufficient to embrace His promises and live with the end in view, even when the immediate and short-term realities look less than promising. Job is our object lesson in faith-filled, patient perseverance. Never attractive nor easy, perseverance is one acid test for the depth of our conviction that the Lord reigns
Scripture to consider: Job. 1:1–2:10; Ezek. 14:12–20; Heb. 11:39–12:11; James 5:7–12.
An action to take: Where are the battle lines drawn in your life? Are you able to persevere? What might encourage and help you at this time?
A prayer to make: ‘Lord, I cannot expect to understand You, so help me to trust and persevere in faith. Amen.
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