God's Power on Display
By what way is light diffused, Or the east wind scattered over the earth?
Job 28:24
The Heatwave, that affected most of Europe this Summer, came to a stormy end one August night here in France. At 3:00 in the morning, I was awoken by the loudest, bangs, booms and crashes I have ever heard; the sky was lit up with flashes of lightening everywhere, and the sound of heavy rain pounding on the roof. Unable to sleep further, I opened the window to hear and see the exciting sounds and flashes. It was indeed very awesome to see and hear the storm. As I stood at the window, I began to think about the power of God. It was obvious to me of how small we humans are, and how powerful and mighty God is. Then a verse from the book of Job came to my mind, “By what way is light diffused, Or the east wind scattered over the earth?” (Job 38:24).
Job needed to be reminded of God’s power (v 34–41). His life had fallen apart. His children were dead. He was a broke man. He was sick. His friends offered no empathy. His wife encouraged him to abandon his faith (Job 2:9). Eventually, Job asked God, “Why?” (ch 24) and God responded out of a storm (ch 38).
God reminded Job of His control over the physical attributes of the world (ch 38). This comforted Job, and he responded, “I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, But now my eye sees You” (42:5). In other words, “Now I understand, God! I see that You do not fit into my box.”
When life falls apart, sometimes the most comforting thing we can do is to look out of the window and watch the lightning, and be reminded that the God who created the world is big enough and loving enough to take care of us too. We may even start singing our favourite hymns that tell of the might and greatness of our God.
Read
Job 38:24–38.
Prayer
God, help me see how big You are and to stop trying to fit You into small boxes. Help me to trust that if You are big enough to create and control lightning, You are big enough to help me through life’s challenges. In Christ Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Job is always a humbling book.