He knew he had done nothing to bring these miseries on himself, but Job also knew that no one is totally guiltless before a perfect and holy God.
In a marvelous series of statements, Job described God's absolute sovereignty.
He is all-powerful.
God can remove mountains, cause earthquakes, control the movements of the sun and stars. (9:5-6)
He created all things.
-God made the constellations. (9:8)
He is accountable to no one.
"Who will say to him, 'What are you doing?'" (9:12)
Job no longer liked his life and wished that it would just end. Again, Job asked "why?"
When our treasured plans do not work out, when our losses are too great to bear, we have choices of how to respond. Our choices will be reflected in our attitudes, speech and behavior. Note how Job processed his choices.
1. To be angry with God.While this is a natural reaction by a hurting person, Job understood the futility of that. A mere human is no match for the Sovereign God.
"who has hardened himself against him, and succeeded?" (9:4)
2. To argue with God.
Several times Job verbalized his desire to plead his case, as in a court of law or with someone to arbitrate between him and God. Yet, he again acknowledged that the God of heaven is not answerable to him.
"For he is not a man, as I am, that I might answer him, that we should come to trial together. There is no arbiter between us, who might lay his hand on us both." (9:32-33)
It is the third choice that is the struggle for Job and all the rest of us. Can we trust that God has a plan and a purpose behind allowing our suffering? Can we trust that God is at work behind the scenes, even when we cannot see it?
"You clothe me with skin and flesh, and knit me together with bones and sinews. You have granted me life and steadfast love, and your care has preserved my spirit. Yet these things you hid in your heart; I know that this was your purpose." (10:11-13)
When you cannot see His hand, trust His heart.
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