By Lisa Wilmore
Dear Hearts,
I love to read the biblical book of Job. Some may think this is strange, but I love Job because through his story, we can experience tragedy yet discover that tragedy can become triumph when we continue to trust God. The Bible reveals that Job suffered greatly, still, in the end, God blessed him with what some would call “double for his trouble.” Sometimes there is no answer for the turmoil that pursues us through life. Those who believe they are the wisest of the wise may not be able to explain or understand why trouble comes into our lives.
Besides, there may be moments we may ask, “Why did God allow this to happen to me?” We may never understand until later or never understand during our lifetime. I believe Elihu, one of the friends who came to Job, can teach us something about “When there is no answer why trouble comes.”
While Job trusts that God knows his heart and that He will judge him fairly, he makes a final appeal by declaring his integrity and asking God to examine his life. He explains that he has tried to live faithfully, and righteously toward God and others. During his appeal, Job says, “Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity” (Job 31:6, KJV). Job was hurting and confused during his Gethsemane moment and did not have answers from God. At times, no matter how much we study, pray, or seek counsel, there are some things only God knows.
In Job 32, Elihu’s anger was kindled. His anger was directed not only toward Job’s three friends, but also toward Job. Scripture says that Elihu was angry with Job because he “justified himself rather than God” (Job 32:2, KJV). Job had defended his integrity because he could not understand why he was suffering. His friends, however, had accused him rather than comforted him. Interestingly, Elihu was the youngest of the men gathered around Job. So, undoubtedly out of respect, he allowed the others to speak first. He listened, watched, and waited. He heard their accusations, yet neither of them could provide the answer Job needed. Can you imagine being in trouble and listening to people talk about you, yet nobody has an answer?
Finally, Elihu is ready to speak and conveys to Job that he is full of words and that the spirit within him constrains him and that he was not willing to show partiality or flatter anyone. He listened before he spoke.
Sometimes, beloved, the only answer we are going to receive is not an explanation, but an invitation to trust God. So, “When there is no answer why trouble comes, trust God.” You may not understand His timing but still trust and wait on Him.
