Can We Believe in a God Who Allows Suffering?
Part 2 of 3: When We Question God
By Bridget Gazlay
This is a 3-part article series. You can read Part 1 here: Reflections On Job
Yesterday we ended the article saying that Job knew he was innocent and blameless and that God must have His reasons for allowing all the pain and suffering.
This, however, does not mean that Job didn’t have a few questions for God. From the pits of despair he asked God. . .
“Why did I not perish at birth, and die as I came from the womb? Why have you made me your target? Have I become a burden to you? Does it please you to oppress me, to spurn the work of your hands, while you smile on the schemes of the wicked? Your hands shaped me and made me. Will you now turn and destroy me?” (Job 3:11, 7:20, 10:3, and 10:8)
In other words Job was asking, “Why God?”
I know I’ve sure asked God that many times as I’ve suffered through physical pain, tight finances, and seemingly unanswered prayers. And yet I too trust that God has His reasons and I leave my life in his capable hands.
I know with all my heart that God has a purpose for my life. I know God uses the hard things in my life to mold and shape my character.
Where is God in the suffering?
It’s during those hard times that I lean and depend on the Lord even more.
This world is an evil and dark place. God allows that because He wants to have people choose to love Him. He doesn’t want to have “robot followers.” And so our free will is what allows us to truly Love our Lord and Savior. Sadly, it is also what allows this world to be evil.
But, there is hope!
Job experienced this hope as well. In the midst of his suffering, Job marveled at God because, “He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted. To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his.” (Job 9:10, 12:13 NIV)
God finally came on the scene and did justify Job. He told Job’s three friends how wrong they were. But he also rebuked Job for his questioning. God asked Job, “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation? Do you know the laws of the heavens? Can you set up God’s dominion over the earth?” (Job 38)
God never told Job why He allowed the tribulation to come. He reminded Job that He was God and that He alone controls everything that happens. We may not see the big picture, but God does. God can see the entire earth in one glance.
Who are we to question God?
That’s exactly how Job responded as well, realizing he was not in the position to question God. Job asked God for forgiveness and repented of his behavior. Job replied, “I know that you can do all things; no plan of yours can be thwarted. . . Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know” (Job 42:2-3).
God did indeed forgive Job and the good Lord “made him prosperous again and gave him twice as much as he had before. “The Lord blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the first. He had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, a thousand yoke of oxen and a thousand donkeys. And he also had seven sons and three daughters” (Job 42:10, 12-13).
Tomorrow’s article we will look at what we can learn from Job’s story and apply it to our own suffering.
What kinds of questions have you asked God about your suffering or illness? What have you questioned Him about when you have lifted your hands to the sky and said, “Why, Lord?”
Bridget Gazlay resides in the beautiful West Michigan. She struggles with Fibromyalgia, Endometriosis, IBS, arthritis and migraines. She works full time but writes and designs fabric cards as she is able. Bridget’s prayer is for readers who come across her writing or fabric cards to see that she allows, “God’s creation to be my inspiration.” You can reach Bridget at: quiltforhim@yahoo.com . Check out her new blog: www.pfccreations.com/blog.
