Come, Let Us Reason Together By Mary Baird Where Were You?

Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind and said, Who is this that darkens counsel by words without knowledge? (Job 38:1-2)

To me, an absolutely profound statement about Gods sovereignty is found in the last chapters of the Book of Job. And what makes them so marvelous is that they are spoken by God Himself. Most believers are familiar with Jobs story. He was a devout believer in God and made no secret about that fact. His whole life was devoted to living a life of holiness surrounded by a society of wickedness. Sounds familiar doesnt it? But Satan didnt like Job and wanted to destroy him. Satan came before God and put forth a challenge. He said that the only reason Job was faithful was because God had blessed him. After further discussion, God told Satan he could strike Job, but the one thing he could not do was kill him. Since Satan loves to destroy, this was music to his ears. Job became the battleground between Satan and God. You can read about the devastation Satan brought on Job and his family in chapters 1 and 2. The next chapters tell about Jobs good friends who were determined to blame Job for all his problems. They believed that if Job would simply come clean and confess his sins, God would restore him. If youve even had a sibling blame you for something you didnt do and been chastised for it by your parents, you know exactly how Job felt. To his credit, Job stood by his virtue and argued with his friends. We all admire Jobs tenacity throughout all his losses. Even his wife told him to curse God and die. Shed lost all her children, all her possessions, and her elevated standing in the community. I have a feeling she wondered herself if Job had done some horrible thing and they were both being punished for it. For a while, Job is able to maintain his integrity and keep the proper perspective regarding the goodness of God. But as the days, hours, and minutes of agony continue not to mention the constant ranting of his friendsJob begins to waver. Hes ready to die because he doesnt understand why the God he worshiped and held in a lofty position would put him through such torment. In despair, Job cries out, Oh, that I had one to hear me! Behold here is my signature; Let the Almighty answer me! And the indictment which my adversary has written (Job 31:35). Ever feel that way? Have you ever gone through a trial that never seemed to end? You prayed and prayed, but God was silent. You begin to doubt God, and like Job, you wondered why you were ever born.

The seminary lessons now begin and they are conducted by God Himself. Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind and said (Job 38:1). Get ready Job. Gird up your loins and hold on. Im going to ask you a series of questions, and the heading for all of them is Where were you? Read chapters 38, 39, 40 and 41 and youll find out the questions. God ends with this statement, Will the faultfinder contend with the Almighty? Let him who reproves God answer it (Job 40:2). The fascinating part of this story is that God knew there was a problem area in Jobs life that even he did not know existed. Were not told what that was, but Job knew and he answered God in chapter 42. The very end of his confession is this, I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear; but now my eye sees You. Therefore I retract, and I repent in dust and ashes (Job 42:56). If you miss the ending to this story, youll miss one of the best parts. When Im tempted to doubt Gods magnificence and wisdom, I ask myself, Where were you, Mary. It brings me back to reality every time.