The Incomprehensible Nature of God
Job 11:7 Zophar challenges Job, implying that Job cannot fully understand God’s ways or the reasons behind his suffering. Job could not fully understand God and four thousand years later, we can say the same for us.
10/6/20262 min read
Can you search out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limits of the Almighty? Job 11:7 (NKJV)
Zophar, the next friend of Job to speak, was even more rude than Bildad and based misapplied theology to show Job's wickedness, trying to make him look foolish. In verse 7, Zophar challenges Job, implying that Job cannot fully understand God’s ways or the reasons behind his suffering. He also implicates himself, because like Job, he cannot understand the incomprehensible nature of God and why Job is going through his trials. Instead of trying to implicate Job on some wicked act, he should be supporting Job by using the same theology to get Job to accept his limitations, approach God with humility, and trust in His wisdom and sovereignty, especially in his time of suffering.
Zophar's comment is a reminder for us to trust in God’s sovereignty, even when circumstances seem confusing or unjust. We are limited in our thoughts and need to remind ourselves and others that even though God’s ways, thoughts, and purposes are far beyond human understanding, His plans for us are to prosper us, not harm us, but give us hope and a future. (Jer 29:11) Romans 11:33 says, “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!” God’s decisions and plans are unfathomable, and we need to acknowledge that no one can fully know the mind of the Lord. We can also take comfort in the fact that all things work together for good for those who love God, showing that even in our difficulties we will serve a higher purpose in His plan.
Choose to come alongside someone who is dealing with trauma in their lives and let them know that even though they may not understand why they are going through a trial and God ways are unknown, He still has a plan that will work out best for them. Pray with them, asking God to reveal the reason for their suffering, and if not to help them in getting through their times of trouble. Pray with them for strength and the endurance to get through the trial and to provide comfort from the pain. Refrain from doing the 'once and done' routine with them. Check up on them regularly, asking them how God has worked in their lives. Offer to cook a meal, pray with them, or meet with them on a weekly basis to get an update and do a short bible study. Let them know that even though God's ways are incomprehensible, God is still there for them, and so are you.