Words Without Knowledge
Walking in our community the other day, I saw a woodpecker that had drilled a perfectly round hole at the top of a large Saguaro cactus. Passing by, I could hear little chirping sounds, from more than one chick, that must have been sequestered in the nest. The temperature was warm and would be over 100 later in the day, but inside the moist cactus the birds would be kept safe. I thought about how we pray for God to put a "hedge of thorns" around us for protection. This bird had instinctively done the same for her fledglings. I walked on feeling blessed and protected by the scene, knowing God was even helping the mother bird and her babies.
Today though, as I sat reading in my bedroom, I viewed a dove crash into our large pane glass window, drop like a rock, and not revive. I sat in shock at how a bird can be flying free one moment and dead in the next. I understand the reality of death, but it made me think about the reason for it. Why would the baby woodpeckers be cloistered away safe and sound, yet the dove be killed in an instant for no apparent reason? The same questions are asked daily by survivors of horrific accidents and family members of missing loved ones. The question is always the same, "Why?"
When Job's friends accused him of bringing on his own problems and pains, he began to wonder "why me?" as well, but he did not accuse God or speak against God. From Job 38:2-4, the LORD spoke to Job and said, "'Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. 'Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me, if you understand.'"
In other words, I am free to question God, but ultimately He knows the "big picture" and it is best for me to simply trust that He's in control so I don't have to be. I don't have to question, worry, fret, or agonize over events or the future, because He will place His hand of protection around me and not allow me to fall except if falling is in His plan, and then there will be a purpose of greater growth or development of myself or others in the process. He wastes nothing, no good or bad situation is without reason. Thank you Lord that You are God and have all the answers.
Today though, as I sat reading in my bedroom, I viewed a dove crash into our large pane glass window, drop like a rock, and not revive. I sat in shock at how a bird can be flying free one moment and dead in the next. I understand the reality of death, but it made me think about the reason for it. Why would the baby woodpeckers be cloistered away safe and sound, yet the dove be killed in an instant for no apparent reason? The same questions are asked daily by survivors of horrific accidents and family members of missing loved ones. The question is always the same, "Why?"
When Job's friends accused him of bringing on his own problems and pains, he began to wonder "why me?" as well, but he did not accuse God or speak against God. From Job 38:2-4, the LORD spoke to Job and said, "'Who is this that obscures my plans with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. 'Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me, if you understand.'"
In other words, I am free to question God, but ultimately He knows the "big picture" and it is best for me to simply trust that He's in control so I don't have to be. I don't have to question, worry, fret, or agonize over events or the future, because He will place His hand of protection around me and not allow me to fall except if falling is in His plan, and then there will be a purpose of greater growth or development of myself or others in the process. He wastes nothing, no good or bad situation is without reason. Thank you Lord that You are God and have all the answers.
It is hard to understand these things. We can't see ahead, but God can. Yet, I still continue to question the why of certain outcomes, as if I'd know a better way? This pain of life is only temporary. But when we see Him face to face, what a great day that will be.
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