GOD IS SO MUCH BIGGER THAN WE ARE!
- Key Verse
- "To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his." (Job 12:13)
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
It is not our job to explain pain and misfortune in this world. God is so much bigger than our human mind. We are only a part of his amazing creation! How could our little brains possibly understand His big picture?
Reflections
Nine years ago, a dear friend gave birth to a baby boy who went to Heaven seven weeks later. Julie was a new Christian and she allowed me to walk as closely through the experience as any friend could. She shared how hurtful it was to hear words of consolation like: "God took Evan to a better place," or "Everything happens for a reason." In her heart Julie knew that God hadn't done this to her. She shared how she could feel the hands of God supporting her through the dark days.By chapter 12, Job has listened to all three of his friends try to explain his dilemma by accusing him of some sin for which God is punishing him. Job knows he is blameless., and he is DONE with his friends: "Doubtless you are the people, and wisdom will die with you!" (Job 12:2) See that word "people"? That's all we are: people, a part of God's magnificent creation. God -- THE CREATOR -- is so much bigger than we are. Job looks to nature (vv. 7 - 12) to show us God's greatness. God gave us Job's story to learn that we don't see the whole picture, but God does.
Let us acknowledge that we live in a fallen world. Even Jesus said, in John 16:33, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." Let us not be like Job's friends who felt the need to try to "explain," who in the process were trying to be BIGGER than they really were. But rather, let us be like Job, who hits the nail on the head in the very middle of this chapter, "To God belong wisdom and power; counsel and understanding are his." It is not our job to explain pain and misfortune. God is too big for our little human minds. We are to be like Job and continue to praise and worship our Creator even through the trouble of this world. Can't we simply acknowledge that God knows . . . and we don't?
Discussion Questions
1. Have you ever had to defend yourself when something bad has happened in your life because a friend advised you that "bad happens" as retribution for sin?
2. Can you simply acknowledge that we live in a fallen world, but God's got our back--and leave it at that?
3. Has there ever been a time when you were called to "just be" with somebody without words of advice or explanation?
Comments
The views expressed under “Comments” are solely
those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Hill Country Bible Church NW.
Annette Boorman
March 16, 2010 07:28 AM
Actually, Heather, it is YOU who hit the nail on the head this morning! The simplicity of "God is bigger than our little human minds" sums up both the reason we serve Him (who would want a God so small that we could understand His infinite greatness with our imperfect finiteness?) and the reason we trust Him (He knows more and loves us more than we can ever understand.)Thank you for reminding me today to simply "Trust...and obey" and leave everything else to His mighty Hand and loving Heart. And thank you for living this out in a very real way!
Marilyn Dixon
March 16, 2010 07:36 AM
Great words for us today. Thanks for sharing the tips on what not to say to someone who is grieving. I know people mean well, but sometimes...... Yes, in this world we shall have troubles, but I am so glad the Jesus has overcome the world.
Tim Hawks
March 16, 2010 08:00 AM
Thanks, Heather. I have seen and been guilty of Job's words in verse 5, "Men at ease have contempt for misfortune." It seems that when life is going great, we don't want to have to deal with people who are going through pain. Maybe it scares us. Or, maybe life is just so good at those times that we want to be away from the tears. So, we tell people to cheer up and look on the bright side. Job teaches us to be willing to grieve with those who grieve and let God be enough.
David Redding
March 16, 2010 08:15 AM
Heather, excellent devotional this morning. This is a powerful chapter and a turning point for Job. Too often I listen to the voices of "people" trying to explain my situation, instead of just trusting in God. God, please help me see you as big enough and caring enough to deal with the troubles in my life. Amen!
Laurie Carlson
March 16, 2010 08:37 AM
Thank you Heather, great reminder that God is God and we are not! Praising God for that simple fact today.
Stacy Kelly
March 16, 2010 09:21 AM
It's human nature to try to be bigger than we are, filling up space with words when we don't really know what to say. Counsel and understanding definitely belong to Him! Praise God for the Holy Spirit! Thank you for a great devotional, Heather.
Pamela Weems
March 16, 2010 09:38 AM
Your insight really spoke to me today, Heather. I am so guilty of trying to console with words that are not from God. I thank God for the opportunities (some not so easy) to learn to listen, to be quiet, to console through simple presence instead of filling the void with meaningless words.
Conrad Rotenberry
March 17, 2010 12:18 AM
Heather, as a life insurance salesman, I have had to deliver many claim checks to bereaving families. I have found it is best to say, "Word's have not been invented to express my feelings over what has happened. But I want you to know that I love you and I am praying for you and your family. Just know that I am sorry for this and if I can provide anything for you, please let me know". Then we have a good cry, and I deliver the check.