Give Thanks 5

Job 42:1-6

When the TV show “M*A*S*H” was a hit series I was a big fan. I recall one episode where the rebellious “Hawkeye” Pierce was told to help out a local Korean woman who appeared to have a great deal of money. Pierce resisted at first but eventually discovered that the woman was not as she appeared. She was very involved in sheltering and caring for orphaned children.

He had acted at first as if he knew exactly what was going on. In the end he had to concede that there were things going on he was not aware of and he had acted foolishly.

Job stands out as a man from the Bible most people are familiar with. He is a man who has endured great suffering, and because of his suffering has begun to ask questions of God. Near the end of his story (Chapter 38) God responds, a little impatiently, perhaps a bit tired of the complaining.

God asks, “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone?” (Job 38:4 and 6) It is then that Job concedes he is a mere mortal, nothing in comparison to God.

What confession does Job make of God? What does Job realize of himself? What growth has Job experienced (verse 5)?

It is so easy for us to become caught up in ourselves, to think too highly of ourselves, and to assume life is here simply to make us happy. We must realize that the world, the universe, and certainly God are much bigger than we can comprehend. In spite of our troubles and our suffering we must approach God with humility and acceptance. We must realize that God is so much bigger than we are and we must trust in His goodness and grace.

When we are able to acknowledge the greatness of our Lord and trust Him, and praise Him and thank Him for all that He has given, then our troubles may be easier to deal with. And, like Job, we can come to the realization that our faith will grow. We can move into a deeper relationship with God – seeing with our eyes and not just hearing with ears.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What can you do to keep your own thoughts and feelings from obscuring God’s counsel without knowledge?