We Don’t Have To Have All the
Answers
By Susan Klein
“Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds
his tongue.”
Proverbs 17:28 (NIV)
Usually when I need
an example of perseverance through trial, I go to the book of Job. Here was a blameless
and upright man who suffered extreme personal loss, while also enduring
ridicule and shame by those who supposedly loved him the most. Yet, while he is
the model of perseverance, I’ve come to learn another lesson from Job that I
want to emulate: “I don’t need to have all the answers.”
After his period of
grieving, Job’s friends started to pummel him with questions as to why God
would allow such a travesty to occur to such a godly man. For awhile, Job
accepts his lot, defending his Creator to those who are making accusations.
But, eventually his despair gets the better of him and Job starts to question
God as well. “What did I do to deserve this? Why have you made me your target?”
(paraphrased from chapter 7)
Eventually, we read
that God speaks. He’s heard enough of accusations and questioning from Job and
his friends. Beginning in chapter 38, He reminds Job that He alone is God, Creator of all, and He decides what will happen to
whom. Job does not know the things that God knows and has no business
questioning His ways. After being rebuked, Job replies, “I am unworthy - - how
can I reply to you? I put my hand over my mouth. I spoke once, but I have no answer
- - twice, but I will say no more” (Job 40:4-5, NIV). Job got the message.
Similarly, who am I
to question what God is doing in my life or in the life of someone else? Why do
we always feel the need to have answers or know the reason for our plight? Is
that walking by faith or by sight? Jesus reminds us in Matthew 5:45 that God
causes His sun to rise on the good and the evil, and sends rain on the
righteous and the unrighteous. No one is exempt from trials, and no one has the
answers to all of life’s questions. No one, except God.
Like Job’s friends,
when others begin to question God, we should not join in on the questioning nor
should we always strive to have an answer for them, other than: “Our God is in
Heaven; He does whatever pleases Him” (Psalm 115:3, NIV). We don’t need to know, we
just need to trust!
GOING
DEEPER:
1. What questions might you have
that seem to be going unanswered? Are you willing to let them go, and “just
trust”?
2. Spend some time with the Creator and marvel at
His sovereignty.
FURTHER
READING:
Susan
is married to Mark, and has two adult children. She enjoys teaching Bible
studies, writing, and tutoring with the Literacy Council. She is a member of
the Peace Team at Oakwood and also co-leads an on-site small group.
