When faced with adversity, pain and struggle the biggest mistake we make is asking God “Why? Why am I going through this? Why is this happening?” In our struggle to find answers we come to faulty conclusions or give answers that are empty and never really suffice.

I’ve been reading this week through Job. Next to the book of Revelation I think this is the most difficult book in the Bible to understand. The reason the book of Job is so difficult is because we humans want to know “Why?” And when we don’t get an answer, or the answer we want, we become increasingly frustrated.

Even if God answered would I really understand? Every parent knows the futility of trying to answer your child’s “Why?” As a parent our answer is always the same, “Trust me.”

Job goes through all kinds of adversity and pain. He suffers incredible loss and heartache. Finally after wrestling with God for nearly 40 chapters Job comes to the following conclusion. It’s not his place to ask “Why?”

“I am nothing – how could I even find the answers? I will cover my mouth with my hand. I have said too much already. I have nothing more to say.” Job 40:3-5

Job decides to let go of the “Why?” and simply trust.

Trust in a loving God.

Trust in a God who hears and will answer.

Trust in a God who works all things for the good of those love him.

Trust in a God who will make all things new.

The next time you’re tempted to ask God “Why?” take a lesson from Job and cover your mouth and simply trust.