ODJ: demanding answers

March 28, 2014 

READ: Job 42:1-6 

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 (v.3).

Remember that thing Charlotte used to say when she didn’t get her way?”

My wife Merryn and I were sitting in church after the morning service. Merryn’s comment referred to a time when our niece, then 2 years old, wanted to play with all her blankets instead of just one and the response she gave her mother when told she couldn’t.

“You mean”, I replied, “when she said, ‘You’re ruining me!’?”

“Yes. In many ways I’ve been saying the same thing to God about having a child,” Merryn said. “I’ve said, ‘I want one. Why can’t I have one? You’re ruining me for not giving me one!’ It’s time for this to stop.”

Merryn’s words were significant. We had tried for a decade to start a family, without success and a few months previously had concluded that we would never have a child. This had been heartbreaking for both of us—but especially for Merryn. But now she spoke with the peace of one who had been spoken to by God and I sensed a quiet breakthrough.

There comes a time for all of us when we must let God be God, whether He gives us what we want or not. Like Job, we may suffer loss (Job 1:12-2:10). Like him, we may demand answers from God about why we suffer (for example, 31:35-37). And like him, when God does break His silence He may not answer our questions (Job 38-39). Will we, like Job, give up our demands on God and serve Him anyway? (42:1-6). Can we say with him, “I was talking about things I knew nothing about” (v.3)?

“I don’t understand why God has said No to our having a child,” Merryn said. “Perhaps I never will. But I know Him and I know He wouldn’t have meant this for evil. So it’s time to let go of the Why? questions now.”

It’s time to let God be God. —Sheridan Voysey
365-day plan› 1 Samuel 17:32-58

MORE
Read Mark 14:36 and see how Jesus responded to God the Father’s will for Him. 
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How have you been demanding something from God? Why is it vital that you serve Him, whether He grants your request or not?