Friday's Question...

After reading Job 42, do you think Job was satisfied with God’s response to his questions? Why or why not?

When we are in the midst of a trial and we cry out to God, Psalm 86 assures us He hears and will answer. Still, it’s often not the answer we wanted or expected. Do you think Job got the answer he expected from God? As Gene and I faced a particular situation this week, we were praying for a specific outcome. In walking through it, though, God did not grant that request – at least not yet. God did, however, reveal that His purpose was much greater than we supposed. We still don’t have an answer, but we have peace and joy knowing God can do all things and no plan of His can be thwarted (as Job so beautifully says in 42:2). And already, the outcome of God’s plan is BETTER than the result we asked for – and it still will be even if our request is ultimately denied!
Should we pray for specific outcomes? Yes! And don’t be afraid to embrace God’s answer! Consider the prayer offered by a 7-year-old asthmatic who was struggling to breathe. Between heavy breaths, he prayed: “Jesus, I know that you know best. I sure would like to be better, but whatever you do is okay with me.” About a year later, that same young boy prayed for his father who was to have knee surgery the next day: “Dear Jesus, please make Daddy’s knee all better so when the doctors see it tomorrow they will be surprised that they don’t have to fix it. Well, I know you always do what’s best, so if you decide not to do what I really want, well, that’s…” he paused and then haltingly and deliberately continued, “okay… because… you… are still… well… Jesus.” I don’t know how these prayers were answered, but I do know that this boy learned an amazing lesson in trusting God.