If He Withholds

Life can be unfair. Look at the Biblical character named Job. Although he was a righteous man, he lost his children and vast material possessions. Then God allowed Satan to afflict him with boils covering his entire body.

After a long discussion between Job and his friends, God returned Job to health and prosperity on all counts—even gave him additional children. But between the time when his world came crashing down and when his world was restored, God took Job on an inner journey. While sitting on the ash heap—nursing his sores—he examined his motives and the nature of his God—the God who allowed so great a misfortune.

One thing was certain: God was (and is) sovereign. Job said, If He [God] breaks a thing down, it cannot be rebuilt; if He imprisons a man, there can be no release. If He withholds the waters, they dry up . . . He uncovers deep things out of darkness, and brings the shadow of death to light. . . . (Job 12, 14-13:1)

Originally published February 9, 1990.