MAY 29, 2015
Mysterious Ways
As
the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways. —Isaiah 55:9
Read:
Job 40:1-14
When my son began
attending Chinese language classes, I marveled at the papers he brought home after
his first session. As a native English speaker, it was difficult for me to
understand how the written characters related to the spoken words. The language
seemed incredibly complex to me—almost incomprehensible.
Sometimes I feel the
same sense of bewilderment when I consider the way God operates. I know He has
said, “My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways” (Isa.
55:8). Still, there’s a part of me that feels like I should be able to understand
why God allows certain things to happen. After all, I read His Word regularly
and His Holy Spirit lives inside of me.
When I feel entitled
to understand God’s ways, I try to recommit myself to humility. I remember that
Job did not get an explanation for all his heartache (Job 1:5,8). He struggled
to understand, but God asked him: “Shall the one who contends with the Almighty
correct Him?” (40:2). Job contritely responded, “What shall I answer You? I lay
my hand over my mouth” (v.4). Job was speechless before God’s greatness.
Although God’s ways
may seem to be mysterious and unfathomable at times, we can rest confidently
that they are higher than our ways.
Father, please help me
to trust You even when I don’t understand why things happen as they do. Please
comfort my heart and remind me of Your goodness and love.
If you know that God’s
hand is in everything, you can leave everything in God’s hand.
INSIGHT: In
trying to explain why he was suffering, Job argued that he had not committed
any wrong deserving of such punishment. In so justifying himself, Job was in
essence questioning God’s fairness and justice (40:8; see also Job 21,24). God
confronted Job, asserting that only He is qualified and has the absolute power,
wisdom, and ability to rule this world justly (40:15-24).
Source: Our Daily Bread 2012
