The Question "Why?"
Much of the book of Job is dedicated to asking the question "why?"
Toward the end of the book, beginning in chapter 38, God finally responds to His suffering servant. It's evident the Lord was getting tired of all the lame explanations offered by Job's unhelpful friends—and of Job's own complaints and questions.
"Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words? Brace yourself, because I have some questions for you, and you must answer them." (vv. 2-3 NLT)
Get Our Latest News for FREE
As God goes on speaking, He says in effect, "Excuse Me, but I guess I missed you when I was busy creating the universe. Were you there? I didn't notice you there." In this ironic sort of way, the Lord puts Job in his place and declares His own glory. At the bottom line, I think the book ends up by saying that Job really didn't need an explanation of life and all its perplexities.
What he needed was an encounter with God. What he needed was a fresh revelation of the Lord.
Why? Because when we see God for who He is, we will see our problems for what they are.
If we have a small God, we have big problems. But if we have a big God we have small problems (no matter how huge and overwhelming they may seem to us).
Today's devotion is excerpted from the first chapter of Greg Laurie's book, Why, God? (Dana Point, Calif.: Kerygma Publishing, 2007). To order a copy of Why, God? while supplies last, click here to visit the Harvest Store.
Used with Permission
