Getting Real with God

Millions have turned to the book of Job for guidance during hard times! I certainly did during my Stage IV cancer battle. It helped me get real with God and open up my my heart and struggles to God.

Job knew the hardest of times. In a single day, a freak storm and thieves took all 10 of Job’s children, thousands of his livestock, and very many servants. Soon after, he lost his health to horrible skin tumors. He was understandably shocked and despairing. He lost his wife’s support, and then his “friends” came to console him, accusing him of hidden sin. Why would God allow such horrible misfortune if Job was righteous? Job tried to reason with them, but they became even more adamant, even though God said Job was blameless!

Time to get real

People let him down, so Job decided to boldly present his case to God. He first entertained the possibility God might be very offended by his questions. Yet he famously said, “Though He slay me, I will hope in Him. Nevertheless, I will argue my ways before Him.” (Job13:15). After further consideration of God’s goodness and mercy, Job declared, “This also will be my salvation … I know I will be vindicated” (Job 13:16 & 18). He trusted God’s reaction, and Job was very direct with God.

Later, God declared He was not offended by Job’s questioning, but He sharply rebuked Job’s friends. God must be okay if we struggle with what He permits in our lives. Besides, He knows everything anyway!

Some takeaways on getting real with God

• God welcomes our tough questions. Consider King David’s “lament” Psalms! Even on the cross, Jesus asked His Father a tough question, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”
• Be surrendered. We need to be humble and open to His answers!
• Ask God Himself about your problems. Don’t rely solely on people’s advice or on your own logic and emotions. God can communicate with us!
• Absorb the answers He has already given in His Word. Soak up all God says about suffering in the Bible! Jesus said we will have trials, so let’s figure out how to handle them! Hint: His power in our weakness.
• Be ready for tough answers. God permits intense suffering, persecution, even martyrdom. Jesus would not spring John the Baptist from jail after John questioned his passivity. John ended up giving his life for his faith.
• Remember God loves to physically heal, deliver, bring freedom – and vindicate! Look for God to show up big, just as He did for Job. Even death is a huge win for the believer in Christ!

James highlighted God’s gracious character toward Job’s struggle – “You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful” (James 5:11). We can be honest with God! He will graciously show Himself real to us!

The first step in honesty with God is to admit we need Jesus as our Savior. Only He can deliver us from the penalty of our sin – check out how here!