Unlimited FaithSample

“It’s OK to Ask ‘Why’”

Like you, I’ve sometimes had my “Job moments,” when I’ve asked God, “Why?”

In the Bible story, Job suffers seemingly without cause, and naturally, he asks, “Why?” His three friends, in different ways, all tell Job that he is suffering because he has done something wrong. The solution they give him is that he must confess and repent so that God will bless him.

Isn’t that like the typical answers we give as Christians? Yet God is angry at Job’s friends because they have lied about what he is like (Job 42:7).

The book of Job doesn’t give us the ultimate answers, because we will never have them in this life. However, the book ends with God telling Job all that he can handle, and all he needs to know: that God is much more powerful and loving than anyone could ever imagine (Job 38–41).

The chances are that simply because you are human, you are suffering right now. And often, there is no direct relationship between the choices you have made and your present sufferings.

The assurance that God was all-powerful and all-loving was enough for Job. It restored the joy in his life. Shouldn’t it also be enough for us? One day, we will have all the answers to every question we’ve ever asked. Until then Christ is enough.

So, have you ever had a “Job moment,” when you have metaphorically shaken your fist in frustration and cried out, “Why, God?” I certainly have. These tend to be “make or break” moments in our relationship with God. What was the outcome of your “Job Moment”?

By Dr Eliezer Gonzalez