Normally, we are the ones asking, “Why?” But in today’s passage, God turns the tables. Speaking “out of the whirlwind,” God peppers Job with questions. Anytime God begins the conversation with “Dress for action like a man,” you better know that God has something to say, and he wants you to hear it!
Job 40:6-8
Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind and said: “Dress for action like a man; I will question you, and you make it known to me. Will you even put me in the wrong? Will you condemn me that you may be in the right? Have you an arm like God, and can you thunder with a voice like his?”
What comes across as rapid-fire questions from God is not meant to harm but to heal. When we wallow in the “Why,” we can never move to a place where God can be seen clearly for who he is. Our inquiries blur the vision of God’s person and character. God gave Job time to ask questions related to his circumstances. Now, his stern statement, “Dress for action like a man,” calls Job from a downward spiral to forward movement. To let Job continue in his spiritual struggles and misery would be unloving. God desires to take us to a place of comfort and healing. He must get our attention back on him for that to happen.
There are several important takeaways from this passage. First, our questioning of God is natural and normal. We will ask some form of “Why?” questions when tragedy hits. We are, after all, humans with finite minds. Secondly, God not only saves us for eternity; he saves us from ourselves. He gently (or in Job’s case, not so gently) takes us by the shoulders, lifts our head, dries our tears, and says, “Okay, enough questions from you, my turn.” Then, he lovingly directs our attention back to him. And that’s where we want our attention to be. After all, he is the only one who is going to get us through the challenging days.
Lord, I pray for the individual going through a great challenge. Today, lift their head and focus their attention back to you and who you are. And may the healing begin. In Christ’s name. Amen.
In a very confusing time, thank you for the reminder God is in control. Our ways are not always His ways. Thank you God for being in control of all things.