Job 38:22
"Have you entered the storehouses of the snow
or seen the storehouses of the hail?"
For the first 37 chapters of the book of Job, we read of a man's life literally crumbling under his feet. We read of his friends who tried to come and offer advice and support that ended up being of no help at all. We read of a man who is determined to stay committed to God no matter what happens even when his wife is encouraging him to throw in the towel in his spiritual battle.
And finally, we get to hear what God has to say about the unfair things that have happened in Job's life. We long for these words from God, because by the time we get to chapter 38 we are just about in sackclothes and ashes with Job, feeling his pain as if it were our own. After all, we can all relate to Job in some way, can't we? We try to do what is right. We try to walk blamelessly. We try to put God first. And yet, our lives are frequently filled with pain and turmoil while those around us who seem to rarely, if ever, even think about God often walk around with their heads held high living lives of ease.
So chapter 38 opens with the words, "Then the LORD answered Job out of the storm." Yes!!! As we read we are on the edge of our seats! We, too, are facing storms of sorts, aren't we? So, we long to hear God's answer, His explanation, His reason, His plan.......
Then God begins speaking..........................(and thankfully He prepares us by saying, "Brace yourself like a man." I don't know about you, but if I hear those words, I am definitely prepared for things I might not like to be told!)
But God doesn't start giving answers. He starts asking questions.........................
Questions like, "Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth?"
Tough questions like, "Have you ever given orders to the morning?"
By the time God is finished with His interrogation anyone who is reading the book of Job is fairly certain that any doubts or questions they might have about God's plan for their lives are unwarranted.
God truly does have "EVERYTHING UNDER CONTROL" even when we feel life is terribly out of control.
Job finally realizes that God's point in all of the suffering He has allowed satan to put him through had a purpose. A purpose that only God had to understand.
Job finally says in chapter 40
4 "I am unworthy—how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth.
5 I spoke once, but I have no answer— twice, but I will say no more."
5 I spoke once, but I have no answer— twice, but I will say no more."
And then in chapter 42, Job totally gets it when he says,
2 "I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted.
3 You asked, 'Who is this that obscures my counsel without knowledge?' Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.
4 "You said, 'Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me.'
5 My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.
6 Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes."
3 You asked, 'Who is this that obscures my counsel without knowledge?' Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know.
4 "You said, 'Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me.'
5 My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you.
6 Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes."
Tonight as my house was abuzz with a forecast of 1 to 3 inches of snow, I thought of the question God asked Job regarding snow,
"Have you entered the storehouses of the snow?"
Can our minds even begin to wrap around the beauty and wonder of entering the storehouses of the snow...Narnia in all its beauty can't hold a candle to the majesty we would experience.
So, as I head to bed heavy-hearted about Nick's illness................I must place my hands over my mouth and remember that no plans of God's can be thwarted.
I must trust Him.....
No questions asked.
Because God can out-question me any day!
Thankful to Serve the One with Every Answer,
6 Comments:
you have such a beautiful spirit...to be going through such a difficult, heart breaking time in your life...you can still see the beauty and wonders of God...
praying,
Mimi
Tammy, God WILL bring you through this. I do not know his plan or pretend that the road will be easy. But I do know he is with you every step. He carries you when you can't take another step on your own. My heart and prayers are with you and your family. Give Nick a special hug.
God Bless!!
I am not sure exactly how I linked to your blog, but surely from one sister in Christ to another. And definitely it was God's plan that I read the words you wrote, because they really hit me in a fresh way. I've only been following your blog for a few weeks, but am touched by your honesty and your faith in Christ. With all you've gone through and are currently going through, you can surely identify a little with Job, so to hear your interpretations are very meaningful. Your words brought tears to my eyes. I am praying for you and your family and your sweet son. Thanks for sharing the words that God puts on your heart.
In Christ,
Fiffer
Aaahhh! Job 38 one of my favorite chapters in the Bible.
Tammy,
As I have so often done, walk up to look at the clock and see that it is 7:11 I did today and as always I Pray for Nick, You and your Family.
I Pray for comfort in the mist of this storm.
God Bless You,
Brenda
I wish I had words to comfort you, but mine would be but an inadequate and meager offering, so I will use the words of Isaiah
(58:9)......
"Then you will call, and the LORD will answer; You will cry, and He will say, 'Here I am.'"
Debbie
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