Can you trust God with your worst-case scenario?

Job experienced worst-case scenario and then some. The book of Job recorded Job’s cry for God. Though the reader understands the whys and sees Satan behind the tragedy, Job lived in the dark.

He wanted answers.

He wanted to be heard.

He wanted some sense behind his worst-case senselessness.

1. Why? Why? Why? Chapter 23 presents Job’s questioning like a court case. But Job never received the answer to his why. And we may not either. Hebrews 11, the Hall of Faith chapter, says this, “These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.” (Hebrews 11:39-40 NIV) Is your trust in God’s sovereignty enough to carry you through when there are no answers?
2. Hear me! Hear me! Several times, Job pleads for an advocate, a go-between to represent him before God (Job 9:32-35; 16:19-21; 19:23-27). Job respects God’s sovereignty so much that he knows he cannot stand before God alone (Job 9:32-37). Christ, our mediator, paved the way for New Testament verses like, “The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” (Philippians 4:5-6)
3. Help me wrap my head around it! Most of us can endure a great deal if we see some purpose at hand. While God never answers Job why, He does answer. In Job 38-41, God revealed Himself as Creator. Not LORD of hosts. Not Father. Not the Holy One. Simply Creator. And Job is overwhelmed as the magnitude of that task alone becomes apparent. Job responded:

I know that you can do all things; no purpose of yours can be thwarted. You asked, ‘Who is this that obscures my plans without knowledge?’ Surely I spoke of things I did not understand, things too wonderful for me to know. You said, ‘Listen now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you shall answer me.’ My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you. Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.” (Job 42:1-6)

Paul encourages us with Romans 8:28, assuring us God has a purpose and He wastes nothing.

So, can we trust God with our worst-case scenario? I have with one child already. Another currently serves an overseas military deployment. God is big enough for our questions, our grief, our anger, whatever we have to throw at Him.

The Who will encompass our whys. Click To Tweet

Workout of the Week: Worst-Case Scenario

Memory Verse: Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Meditation Passage: Job 42:1-6

Just Do It: Trust the Who.