In
the Bible, there is a very specific example of a man who suffered and
questioned God. The book of Job in the Old Testament provides
an account of a man to whom very terrible things happened (he lost most of his
family, all of his possessions and became very sick in a matter of a couple of
days to the point of despair), that were permitted by God and towards the end
of the book Job asked God, "Why"? God asked Job some questions, in
fact a great many questions. Here's a sampling from chapter 40, verses 1-14:
Then the Lord said
to Job, "Do you still want to argue with the Almighty? You are God's
critic, but do you have the answers?" Then Job replied to the Lord,
"I am nothing—how could I ever find the answers? I will cover my mouth
with my hand. I have said too much already. I have nothing more to say." Then
the Lord answered Job
from the whirlwind; 'Brace yourself like a man, because I have some questions
for you, and you must answer them. "Will you discredit my justice and
condemn me just to prove you are right? Are you as strong as God? Can you
thunder with a voice like his? All right, put on your glory and splendor, your
honor and majesty. Give vent to your anger. Let it overflow against the proud.
Humiliate the proud with a glance; walk on the wicked where they stand. Bury
them in the dust. Imprison them in the world of the dead. Then even I would
praise you, for your own strength would save you. (New Living Translation)
God's
questions to Job continue for the rest of chapter 40 and 41, pretty much
putting Job in his place. When Job has an opportunity to answer, this is what
he says as recorded in chapter 42, verses 1-6:
Then Job replied to the Lord "I know
that you can do anything, and no one can stop you. You asked, 'Who is this that
questions My wisdom with such ignorance?' It is I—and I was talking about
things I knew nothing about, things far too wonderful for me. You said, 'Listen
and I will speak! I have some questions for you, and you must answer them.' I
had only heard about you before, but now I have seen you with my own eyes. I
take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance." (New Living Translation)
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