We live in a fallen world where we may find no explanation for terrible things that happen - a loved one’s discovery of late-stage cancer without prior symptoms, a marriage gone irreparably bad, or the suffering of the pain and consequences of someone else’s poor choices. When these challenges come our way, we can become inundated with doubts as we struggle to find answers.
Job had to wrestle with his doubts when he lost everything but his life and wife. He even had to endure the self-righteous counsel of his friends in the process. Job questioned God and His sovereignty, “Why am I going through this, Lord? Where are you, Lord? Why are You not delivering me?”
God did not answer Job’s questions, instead He responded with multiple questions that all led to one conclusion – God alone is in charge and He is free to act (Job 38-41). When life is smooth-sailing, we may mistakenly think we are in charge. But we are not masters of our own fate or destinies. God is in control, in good times and in bad.
“Then Job replied to the Lord: ‘I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you. You asked, “Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?” It is I—and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me. You said, “Listen and I will speak! I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.” I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes. I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance.’” – Job 42:1-6, NLT
What can we understand from Job’s response to God amid his struggles? First, he acknowledges God’s sovereignty over his life (v. 2). He accepts that God is in control, and is free to act. Second, he humbles himself before God (vv. 3-4). Third, while he might have had an impersonal and academic knowledge of God in the past, he now has a personal encounter with God (v. 5). Finally, he repents of his pride and arrogance in thinking he knows better (v. 6).
The sovereignty of God is not a simple panacea for every pain, or a cop out statement to make one feel better. I pray that in our times of struggle we will be like Job and respond in resolute trust in God, knowing that we may not always have the answers we are looking for. When we cannot understand why, God knows. When we cannot explain, God cares. When we cannot see, God is here (Psalm 34:17-19).
Take a walk with God down memory lane, and ask Him to remind you of the moments where He revealed His sovereignty to you. Pause to give thanks to Him, and share these stories with someone. In recalling and sharing, we testify and affirm God’s sovereignty in our lives.
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