Read: Job 30:24-31
But when I hoped for good, evil came, and when I waited for light, darkness came. (v. 26)
Part of the point of studying darkness and light is wrestling honestly with the way God sees and uses both. It seems pretty obvious that I want all light—and Job’s story forces my wrestling to intensify. Here is an ultimate paradox: Why would a God whose name and character is love ever allow a righteous soul to live in torment? To lose children, vocation, financial stability, friendships, and standing in the community? To hope for good, but find evil; to wait for light, but dwell in darkness? Could this really be God’s intent, and fully under God’s control?
There are times in every believer’s life where he or she must enter a season of wrestling, and come forth either trusting that God is good, even in the dark, or tossing out the whole of faith as lies and drivel. More than once I’ve needed to go to the mat in an all-out war, barely able to choke out Job’s dark lament, “Though he slay me, I will hope in him; yet I will argue my ways to his face” (Job 13:15).
It’s easy to give intellectual assent to the truth that God’s ways are higher than mine (Isaiah 55:9), but in everyday life, I’d like to dumb God down to my ways. Still this remains: if I have surrendered my life, there will be days I argue with my Maker, simply unable to comprehend. —Amy Clemens
As you pray, ask for light, of course, but wrestle for your faith if no light comes.
About the Author
With a bachelors in journalism from Texas Tech University and a masters from Western Theological Seminary, Amy Clemens enjoys all things writing, particularly about the life of faith. She is blessed with a family that includes husband Fred, five children, and five grandchildren.
Amy has just published her first book, "Walking When You'd Rather Fly: Meditations on Faith After the Fall," which weaves her journey from childhood abuse toward healing and spiritual growth with a practical theology for the big story of God. You can find out more about the book and author at walkingwhenyoudratherfly.com.
