Running Up the White Flag

Read Job 42:1-17

1. Then Job replied to the Lord:
2. “I know that you can do anything, and no one can stop you.
3. You asked, ‘Who is this that questions my wisdom with such ignorance?’ It is I—and I was talking about things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me.
4. You said, ‘Listen and I will speak! I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.’
5. I had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes.
6. I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance.” Job 42:1-6

There are times when surrender makes more sense than the bravest fight. Consider three examples: fighting a war when your side has been decimated, campaigning for a candidate after he or she has lost the race, and arguing with a spouse when he or she is right and you’re wrong. No honor comes from resisting at times like these.

In this reading, Job admits defeat and surrenders to God. This is not the end of Job, however, because God has plans for Job’s future.

This concludes the story of Job. God has proven his point and Job’s reply is an admission of defeat. It’s the good kind of surrender. Don’t feel sorry for Job—get in line yourself.

Other lessons in this passage include not judging others or interpreting their circumstances as a judgment on them; praying for our enemies; and the rewards of following God in trust.

Throughout the book, Job’s friends had asked him to admit his sin and ask for forgiveness. Eventually Job did indeed repent. Ironically, Job’s repentance was not the kind called for by his friends. He did not ask for forgiveness for committing secret sins, but for questioning God’s sovereignty and justice. Job repented of his attitude and acknowledged God’s great power and perfect justice (Job 42:1-6).

We sin when we angrily ask, “If God is in control, how could he let this happen?” Because we are locked into time and are unable to see beyond today, we cannot know the reasons for everything that happens. Job openly and honestly faced God and admitted that he was the one who had been foolish.

Are you using what you can’t understand as an excuse for your lack of trust? Admit to God that you don’t have enough faith to trust him. True faith begins in such humility. Will you trust God with your unanswered questions?