WHEN GOD DOES NOT ANSWER
- Key Verse
- "I cry out to you, O God, but you do not answer; I stand up but you merely look at me." (Job 30:20)
READ THE CHAPTER
Central Truth
Job endured much suffering and cried out to God, but there was no answer. Through his suffering, humiliation, and pain he pleads for mercy to no avail. Unable to comprehend a greater plan, he begins to become angry with God for showing him no mercy.
Reflections
This passage shows the contrast between Job's past life of respect, success, and honor and his current state of being totally heartbroken and even angry at God. Like many of us would, he moans and laments his condition. I believe at some point we have all felt like Job. Sometimes the suffering can be unbearable and we just want to cry out, "Why, God? Why?" This is Job's experience. In the midst of difficulties it is hard to see a greater good or envision God's plan for our lives. Job feels great pain and feels that God is unjust. Why is his life so unfair?We all know the story. Job will eventually realize who God really is and confess. He will also be more blessed than before. Sometimes we cannot see the whole picture of God's plan. Despite this He always loves us and know what is best for us. He is our greatest ally.
In my own experience, I have realized that everything is in God's hands, and I don't have control despite how hard I might try. I can't see the big picture, but He can and He will pull me through. I have had many health issues and ups and downs in this area. I may never understand why. But every once in a while I see the good. I have had opportunities to reach others for Christ that I may not have had otherwise. Other people have been able to share their gift of encouragement with me. Yes, God may wait to answer prayer, but during the waiting He opens new doors and sometimes gives a glimpse of His magnificence. We may even understand more of the picture and know that it is truly God working.
Discussion Questions
1. Have you ever experienced a time when you felt God was not answering your prayers? Share this with your small group or with God.
2. If you have experienced a time of silence, explain how you dealt with it.
3. Take a few minutes to pray for any struggles those in your small group or others you know may be going through.
Comments
The views expressed under “Comments” are solely
those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Hill Country Bible Church NW.
Linda
April 9, 2010 06:08 AM
Nicole,I have been praying for you and now I get to see who you are. How cool is that! Thanks for the devotion. I love the saying, "He is our greatest ally." That is the truth.
Kathy Lewis
April 9, 2010 07:31 AM
Good morning Nicole! Thank you for sharing God's Word this morning. I am reminded of a very difficult time when I was truly in the pit and waited for God to answer [Psalm 40] . . . I waited and prayed for five years. When God did finally answer, as painful as it was, His timing was perfect. My response to His answer was totally different than it would have been five years earlier. God always answers and His timing is always perfect. We have to trust Him to do his job!
Monica James
April 9, 2010 08:52 AM
Hi Nicole! Although we don't get to see each other very often (I don't think you've even met Gabriel!), you and Garrett are always in my prayers. Hugs to you both!
Libby Barber
April 9, 2010 11:23 AM
Thanks for those thoughts, Nicole. You can really speak to the subject, can't you? I really liked the statement "unable to comprehend the greater plan." I can REALLY relate to that. I know that's where faith comes in and what really pleases God. I guess it's a life-long goal! Libby