Job: Questions Without Answers

by Mike Dellosso

One of my favorite books in the Bible is the book of Job. Poor Job. He loses everything very tragically except his wife who only discourages him and tells him to “curse God and die.” Thanks, Babe. Thanks for nothing.

Something that strikes me about the account is Job’s honesty and bluntness with God. He throws some hard questions out there. He tells God exactly what he’s feeling and what he’s wrestling with.

But my favorite part is not Job’s struggle with the ways of the world, why the righteous suffer, why tragedy happens, why suffering exists. My favorite part is God’s response. God doesn’t answer Job’s questions directly. He makes it very clear He isn’t on trial here. What He does do, though, is answer indirectly by showing Himself to Job, reminding Job of His power and majesty and glory.

Chapter 38 starts out with Then the LORD answered Job out of the storm. He said: “Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man; I will question you and you shall answer me.”

God says, okay Job, you’ve had your time to talk, you’ve had your time to question, and you’ve proven your lack of knowledge and wisdom about Me. Now be quiet and brace yourself because it’s my turn to ask the questions.

Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Huh? Or when I hung the stars in the sky and taught them how to sing? Were you there? Did you shut up the sea behind doors? Did you spread the clouds across the sky?

You get the picture? Job did. God didn’t have to answer his questions, He only had to make Himself known to Job as if to say, “Hey, I’m in control here. Really. I’m more powerful than you could ever imagine and though your problems seem enormous, they’re not too big for me.”

I need to remember that. My problems do seem enormous but to a God who simply spoke the earth into existence, who tames the sea, who directs the seasons, who holds up the sun and moon and stars, it’s under control.

I ask questions, yes, but I don’t expect answers. My answer is to look around at God’s handiwork and see Him. That gives me peace enough that He’s on the throne and no problem I have is too big for Him.

I share in Job’s conclusion when he said in chapter 42:5 My ears had heard of you, but now my eyes have seen you.