Weekly Devotion: God is Greater than We can Understand

By: Asha Kennedy

How do we trust God in the loss of a child? 

In Job chapter 35, Elihu asserts that God is not affected by human actions and that righteousness gains nothing. He also tells Job that God hears the cries of the oppressed but responds in His own timing.

He emphasizes the need to wait on the Lord and His timing, rather than the time we think God should respond to our suffering. God does not move because of the actions we take, but God does acknowledge our suffering.

You might be wondering where God is in my suffering? Why do we suffer pain in this world?

You might be questioning, how can a parent trust God through the loss of a child?

You might ask, why should I put my trust in God when He is silent in my loss?

In Job 36, we see the greatness of God highlighted among the suffering that not only Job has endured but the suffering and wrongdoings of others.

Job 36: 7 NLT says “He never takes his eyes off the innocent, but he sets them on thrones with kings and exalts them forever.” Verses 8 and 9 widen this concept “If they are bound in chains and caught up in a web of trouble, he shows them the reason.” We learn that sin is the root of all loss and suffering on earth.

We also see God’s care for those suffering in this sin-stricken world. 

This does not mean that a believer will not endure pain or loss, but God does care for those that are burdened by the pain of loss. God uses our suffering to instruct and deliver believers for his purpose and His glory.

Although Elihu also seems to chastise Job, he tries to get Job to see God for who he is: the righteous Creator, the one who holds all power and understanding even in times of suffering.

As you read chapter 36, be encouraged! Elihu encourages Job to be reminded of God’s ultimate power in all things. Verse 26 reminds us that “God is greater than we can understand” in all of His mighty ways. We know that Job has taken a great loss, but we also know that God allowed this suffering for a greater purpose all in His design.

We see God is in the details of every aspect of life on earth and that He cares for us all in the actions He takes, even when we do not understand His plans for us.

On this Bereaved Mother’s Day, maybe you’re struggling with the loss of your child, or you’re struggling to trust God in this moment of loss or suffering.

We pray this story will show you how much God cares for those in their time of suffering and that God has not forgotten you. Even in this world filled with sin and suffering, His plans extend far beyond what we can see, and He, in His perfection, cannot be anything but good. We pray this story emboldens you to trust in Him in times of suffering, knowing God orchestrated even this moment of your life for a purpose to draw nearer to Him.

Heavenly Father, you are all-knowing and have power over all aspects of this world. You’ve written every moment of my story with care. Help me to trust in you, especially as I walk through this time of grief and suffering. I pray that you will remind me of your greatness and care for me, as Elihu reminded Job, when I feel like you are not there in my suffering. You hear my cries, you know my suffering, and you care for me! Thank you for having a purpose to my pain that will bring you glory and draw me nearer to you. May I see comfort and peace in how you’ve knitted my story together. Thank you for sustaining me through my loss and the pain it brings. May you get the glory in it. In Jesus’ name. Amen.  

Dig Deeper into How to Navigate What is Ahead with Real Hope

Reflection Questions:

1. How can remembering God’s power and goodness help strengthen our faith when we feel overwhelmed by pain?

2. What does Elihu’s perspective teach us about listening for God’s voice during hardships, even when He seems silent?

   
   
   
   

Put Your Faith Into Action:

The story of Job proves that we all endure suffering, but we must remain steadfast and hold on to our faith knowing that God cares for us. Although it may seem that God is silent, He works in our waiting. God truly cares for us and has determined each detail of our lives in a way that we couldn’t do for ourselves. Set your hopes on Jesus. He will wipe away your tears.

This week, we challenge you to write words of trust on post-it notes or index cards and place them around your home or your hospital room to encourage your heart to trust.

ex: Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Further Reading:

1. Romans 5:3-5 (ESV)

2. 1 Peter 5:10 (NKJ)

3. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (CSB)

4. Lamentations 3: 22-24 (CSB)

   
   
   
   

Verse to meditate on and memorize:

Isaiah 41:10 CSB “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold on to you with my righteous right hand.”

Asha Kennedy is a writer for Praying Through Ministries.