In chapter 38, God finally speaks in a whirlwind. "Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorant words? Brace yourself and answer some questions I have for you. Where were you when I created the earth? Who determined it's size and laid the foundation? Who keeps the waters inside the ocean wall and who hung each star in the sky?"God continued to go through each aspect of nature, finishing up with all the animals, pointing out with His questions, that He is the creator and sustainer of all things. Everything was created by Him and for Him. (Col. 1:16) By the beginning of chapter 40, God had finished with the questions for Job.
Job felt very humbled. All of creation was a witness to God's power and glory. Who was he to question God or advise Him? "I take back everything I said." Job said. "I was taking about things I knew nothing about. I am so sorry and I will sit here in these ashes to show you how sorry I am." Job
realized that his human brain could not comprehend the thoughts of God. God's thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways above our ways. (Isaiah 55:8-9)
We should remember this when we ask God, "Why?" The better question should be "What?" What are you trying to teach me God? Or what is in my future that I need this struggle to strengthen my faith for? Or what do I need to do to get closer to you God? The bible says there are at least five reasons we face trials in our lives. {1} Suffering sometimes comes as a result of sin.(Acts 5:1-11) {2}Sometimes suffering is God discipling or correcting us. (Hebrews 12:7-13) {3}Suffering may be a test of our faith or faithfulness. (James 1:1-19){4} Suffering is sometimes a result of following Jesus. (Phil 3:10) {5} Suffering may just be the result of living in a fallen world. (Job:1-2)
After Job responded to God with humility and repentance, God turned to Job's friends and said, "I am angry with you because you have not spoken truthfully about me to Job. Now go make a sacrifice to me and ask for forgiveness." Then God turned back to Job, "While your friends are offering their sacrifice to me, pray for them." So the friends offered a sacrifice and Job prayed for them. God accepted their sacrifice and Job's prayer for them Then God blessed Job with twice as much as he had before and three more daughters and seven more sons, and Job lived another 140 years.
Why did God ask Job to pray for his friends, because when we take the focus off ourselves and place it on our all-powerful God and other people, we pay less attention to our problems. If we are so focused on what is causing the pain, we cannot give God the honor that He deserves. It is not easy, but try it. While you are in the middle of a struggle, praise God and pray for someone else. You will be blown away at how God's presence brings you peace.
