MEMORISE: But indeed, O man, who are you to reply against God? Will the thing formed say to him who formed it, “Why have you made me like this?” – Romans 9:20
BIBLE READING: Job 38:1-7
1 Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said,
2 Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge?
3 Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.
4 Where wast thou when I laid the foundations of the earth? declare, if thou hast understanding.
5 Who hath laid the measures thereof, if thou knowest? or who hath stretched the line upon it?
6 Whereupon are the foundations thereof fastened? or who laid the corner stone thereof;
7 When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?
MESSAGE:
In Job 1, Job was described as an upright and God-fearing man. However, in one day, he lost everything he had – his wealth, children, and health. In his pain, he questioned God, and in response, God reminded him of His infinite power and wisdom, as we see in today’s Bible reading.
Despite everything Job faced, his story did not end in pain. God restored him and gave him double for all his losses (Job 42:10-12). His life is a testimony that even when God allows trials in our lives for reasons that are beyond human understanding, He gives us beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness (Isaiah 61:3).
My dear child, when unpleasant situations occur and you are tempted to question God, I admonish you to trust in His sovereignty and also in His goodness. Go before Him in prayer, and ask for grace, strength, and restoration. He knows how to turn mourning into dancing; He will answer you in His time and in His way.
KEY POINT:
Even though God may not always explain why He allows trials in our lives, He is faithful to always bring beauty out of ashes.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
MARK 10:32-52, NUMBERS 33-35