“Why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb?” (Job 3:11) Bible Reading: Job 3:1-26
“You should not question God!” I have often heard this said by well-meaning Christians, trying to prevent their questioning friends from stepping into an arena of irreverence. There was a time in my life when I too would have pushed through my season of suffering in silence, not wanting to “sin” by asking the question “why”. What if one is tired of hurting, though? What if, like Job, one has had enough? What if the well of tears has dried up and grief is taking its toll? Dead livestock; dead children; poor health – surely the inevitable cry emanating from the chapped lips of affliction, is going to be “why”! God is big enough to handle our “whys”. He has created us with the ability to analyse and scrutinise; to ask the very questions we have been warned against. (Didn’t Jesus Himself ask “why” on the cross?) We may never understand the “why’s” pre-Heaven, but remember that the God of the seasons, is also God of the reasons. His grace is enough to carry us through, as it did Job.
Prayer: Lord, so many questions weigh heavily on my heart; answers, this side of heaven, I’ll only know in part. Grant me patience, perseverance and grace, till that day I see you face to face,
