Out of the Whirlwind of Life, where is Faith Found? ⋆ Effie Darlene Barba

When life becomes a whirlwind of sorrows, we want God to come and remove the whirlwind. Yet, what if it is in the whirlwind, we hear God’s voice? Job wanted God to come down and fix the problem, to exonerate him before his accusers. Despite believing that God was Sovereign, Job believed that all his suffering had been an unjust act of God. After all, had he not faithfully served God all these years? Why would God allow such loss and sorrow into his life? Isn’t that the same question we ask when facing devastating trials? We Christians seem to believe we know God. He is a God of Grace and Love, so why would He ever allow His children to suffer loss or pain? Could it be that in whirlwind of life, solid rock like faith is found.

God Speaks Out of the Whirlwind

Job, like we, wanted God to come and answer his demands and questions with a comforting, gentle voice. Yet, He did not come that moment with what Job considered comforting words. After all the questions and accusations of Job, “Then answered the Lord unto Job out of the whirlwind” (Job 40:6). We want God to just fix the problem; but, what we often do not understand is the problem lies within our own heart. We say that God is Sovereign; yet, we moan when in His Sovereignty and Wisdom he allows a whirlwind to arise in our life. He knows that our only hope of joy and peace can be found in Him. We think too highly of our self, our comfort and our desires to ever see that He is our greatest treasure, the only one our heart truly seeks.

Job did not see God’s answers in the whirlwind as comforting at first; however, they were. Because God needed Job to take his eyes off of Himself, to place them on God; He spoke out of the whirlwind. God knew that Job’s faith had been too small to bring him to a place of peace and joy. Job’s faith had depended upon his own works more than on God Himself. That is us too. We enumerate for God all that we have done for Him, brushing aside the pride of our own heart which prevents us from truly enjoying His Grace.

God Responded with Questions for Job

God presented for Job a series of questions throughout chapters 38 and 39. Questions meant to open Job’s eyes to the truth. Where were you Job when I created the Universe? Could you have designed a better world? Ah, but you see therein lies our problem as well; we think too often that we could have. We question God’s wisdom in having allowed mankind to fall. Deep within our heart lurks that question; particularly, when it comes to our own lives.

We think we know what is best for us; instead, of grasping the truth that God’s design is perfect. If I never knew darkness, could I ever truly see the magnificence of light? Had I never seen the devastating effects of sin, could I fully revel in His grace? If I never glimpsed at the darkness of my own spirit without God, could I know the joy of His Spirit within me?

God’s answers seemed strange at first; but, caused Job to pause and think. Then, God told Job in His second response out of the whirlwind of the grandeur of the hippopotamus and the crocodile; and asks Job to answer if he could have designed such creatures. Through all the questions, Job had no answer; because, he suddenly realized the magnitude of God’s wisdom and power.

Suddenly, the eyes of Job’s heart were opened to realize his own ignorance of God. As Roy Zuck points out: “having gained insight into God’s ways and character-His creative power and genius, His sovereign control, and His providential care and love, Job confessed His own unworthiness and repented.” [1] What did he repent of? Pride and an occupation with self.

RECOGNIZING GOD IS YAHWEH

Faith is knowing God IS YAHWEH, the great I AM and He rewards those who diligently seek Him. What if His greatest reward is a whirlwind? “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance” (Galatians 5:22-23); yet, we do no fully experience these until we learn to abide in Jesus, dying to self that He might live. Whatever whirlwind of life you face today, ask God to speak to you out of the whirlwind. He knows what is best for you and His plans for you are to reveal Himself fully that you might find His Abiding Steadfast Joy in your life.

DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?

If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. Because there is nothing more important than this, I urge you to seek Him today.

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Recently released Books Available

ABIDING, STEADFAST JOY

A labor of love, this book provides you with 3 foundations of truth from the scripture which once known will provide you with abiding, steadfast joy. Undaunted by the storms of life; your joy will overflow.

WHEN INJUSTICE AND VIOLENCE REIGN:
Through a study of Nahum, Habukkuk, and Zephaniah; I brought their message into our modern times. Answering the questions of “Why, God?”

Providing a foundation of faith and hope; even, as we see so much evil in the world and in our nation. With so much sorrow and despair, this book I wrote to guide you into discovering God’s Perfect Plan of love; amid this chaotic world filled with life’s storms.

You may click on the picture for more information on either of these books.

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©Effie Darlene Barba, 2017
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.