When people endure extensive tests to their faith things sometimes get worse before they get better. In fact, it often seems there is no hope for them to ever get better. Job no doubt felt this way as his three friends and then a young observer argued with him about why God was causing his suffering.
Job 38 begins with the words, “Then the Lord answered Job out of the storm.” Yes, Job was experiencing a fierce storm in his life. He was tested by losing all he possessed as well as the death of all his children. His health failed. His marriage was stressed. His friends pushed him to the brink psychologically. Now he faced the most severe test of all: the spiritual test.
God says in Job 38:3, “Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me.” This is totally different than answering a despairing wife or insensitive, critical friends. When God speaks your normal reactions shrivel up. God presses Job further in chapter 40, “Will the one who contends with the Almighty correct Him? Let him who accuses God answer Him!”
Listen to Job’s response in Job 40:4-5: “I am unworthy – how can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth. I spoke once, but I have no answer – twice, but I will say no more.” The spiritual storm was raging. Again the Lord speaks to Job out of the storm beginning in verse 6. When God finishes Job despises himself and humbly repents (Job 42:1-6).
All of the tests were used by God and led to this: Don’t justify self. Repent. Trust in God’s grace and press on.
