For When You Don’t Want to Trust the Lord’s Sovereignty

Job 42:2-3 ESV

“I know that you can do all things,

​and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted.

‘Who is this that hides counsel without knowledge?’

Therefore I have uttered what I did not understand,

​things too wonderful for me, which I did not know.”

If you’re familiar with the book and life of Job then this passage will remind you of the woes of Job and the counsel of his friends. This is followed by the mostly one-sided conversation between Job and his God, the Lord Almighty, reminding Job, and us, of His all-encompassing role in creation, His all-sustaining power of nature, and His all-knowing sovereignty in every matter of life. Our all-loving, perfectly just Lord shows Himself in such clarity that Job realizes in humble submission that the wonders and might of the Lord are beyond human response. We would be wise to recall the words in Isaiah that state the ways and thoughts of the Lord are higher than ours, for as the heavens are higher than the earth (Isaiah 55:8-9). The tendency, at times, in the Christian life is to either respond to difficulty and confusion with anger in pride or self-focus in pity.

In these times we must acknowledge the triune God for who He is, our holy king, our sacrificial savior, our perfect helper. 

So much of life goes unplanned from our perspective, one day passes and everything seems to be aligning for our benefit and happiness, the next day comes and we are left confused, discouraged, and wanting in the face of intense trials. It is clear from the Bible that our response to devastation is not to draw upon the well of our strength, for we will surely find that we are unequipped for the task. We also must not fall prey to the lie that we can no longer trust the Lord and His Word, there is nothing that can satisfy outside of the Lord. Our only correct and holy response is to raise our heads and face the Lord, finding peace and perspective in His character. It may seem counterintuitive to look away from your life and look to the Lord and His works. Nevertheless, the words in Job and Isaiah must resonate in your head and heart. Turn your thoughts of personal ability and heavenly doubt toward realizations of the presence of the Lord’s voice and action in all things.

His ways are higher than our ways, His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. He will guide you to Himself and this alone will satisfy. 

Recommended: Developing Spiritual Strength (in Christ)

Jake Schwarting arrived at Snowbird in 2019 and came with a long history among the SWO family (2007-2019). He earned a B.S. in Camp and Outdoor Adventure Leadership from Liberty University during his younger years and is currently pursuing an M. Div. from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Jake previously served with other camps and missions organizations throughout North, Central, and South America, and enjoys serving churches and staff through his current role. He recently joined our SWO Institute team to handle day-to-day discipleship, planning, and general administration. Jake and his wife, Kelly, have the sons: John, Mateo, and Seth.