Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Declare, if you have understanding.
–Job 38:4
One of my favorite passages of scripture is in the book of Job, chapters 38 through 42.
God asks how Job thinks he has the right to challenge His actions and decisions. After all, was he there when God made the universe? Does Job know how many snowflakes there are? Can Job control the wind? Does he oversee the birth of animals in the wild?
Of course, Job’s answer to all these questions is “no.”
Sometimes we ask ourselves why God can’t see our need to be free of this burden or that conflict and free us. It’s not that God can’t see. It’s not that He can’t take care of our problems. But there are times when He doesn’t. He chooses not to.
Why?
There isn’t an easy answer to that question. Maybe God is testing us. He may be using the situation as a faith-building exercise. God may be preparing us for something in the future. He may even be sparing us from something worse that only He can foresee.
It all boils down to these three things: 1) knowing nothing is too complicated for God, 2) knowing God is always working to bring about our best life, and 3) letting God be the guiding force in our lives.
Prayer
Holy God, You are all-powerful and all-knowing. Who am I to question You? Please give me the faith and wisdom to know You always have my best interest at heart. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
Reflection
Have I wrestled with God’s refusal to answer a prayer the way I wanted? How do I respond to people who are jaded because God has told them “no?”