The great Old Testament man of God named Job asked this one day, “Show me wherefore Thou contendest with me.” Job 10:2

Job was suffering and he knew God was almighty! He had buried ten children, though each had grown into adulthood. (It sill hurts!)

He had lost all his assents (millions of dollars in today’s economy) then his very health had failed!

“Little wonder Job is so resolved: “I will say unto God, shew me wherefore thou contendest with me.”

That verb “contendest” is “riyb” in Hebrew and means (essentially) “to strive, to debate, to chide,” and carries a forensic insinuation “to sue in a court of law!”

Job figured God was mad at him, condemning him, prosecuting him!

Many a saint since Job has asked similar questions!

“God, what’s going on? Are You angry with me? It’s been one trying thing after another lately! I am nearly exasperated.” (Like Paul maybe: “For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life.” Even that great Apostle, in 2 Corinthians 1:9!

“Wherefore, Lord?”

Well, we gradually lean from Scripture that all harsh dispensations from God are NOT signs of His displeasure! God often tests us to reveal our weaknesses. Or our strengths!

God “sues” us to help us grow in Grace!

And He does this to “every son, every daughter, every child of His! (Hebrews 12:6 … “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth (literally, ‘child trains’), and scourgeth (‘whips’) every son whom he receiveth.”) Maybe a little like basic training in the military, hard days indeed! But you’re being turned into a soldier, a warrior!

I saw this single line earlier this morning, take heart Christian! “Hope itself is like a star … not to be seen in the sunshine of prosperity, and only to be discovered in the night of adversity.”

Wow!

Some of the most beautiful flowers of all … grow best in the shade! And likewise some of the most beautiful Christian qualities (graces) … also grow in the shadows of adversity!

Dr. Wiersbe used to say, “When God has you in the fire … His hand is always on the thermostat!” He knows what we are experiencing! And He is in control!

Of course Job is now in Heaven … with a pretty good understanding of “WHY” God allowed such suffering in his life!

Some day you, dear friend … will understand it too! God likely will answer the plea … “Show me wherefore why Thou didst contend with me.”

And with that, in His Hands, we must rest the issue.

— Dr. Mike Bagwell

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