“Then touched He their eyes, saying, According to your faith be it unto you” (Matthew 9:29 KJV). Why did Jesus have to say anything? Because His purpose is to encourage our faith, since our relationship is based on trusting Him. It is not ours to object why we are so limited, but to believe He is not. Jesus does not mind our questions, so long as we ask them in faith. Willingness to obey Christ is to be a Christian, so obedience comes from a willing heart, doing what we know to do, until He shows us differently. Faith is trusting in the Living God to do as He said. OT Jōb was reduced to the barest, meanest circumstances, so low, even his friends had to conclude, Jōb had to have done something wrong to be treated so badly. Even Jōb finally broke under the strain, but God knew He was not putting Jōb under more stress than he could handle. Proof? “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1Corinthians 10:13). That was true when Paul penned it, and it was true earlier with Jōb. Why’d God treat Jōb so? Because God is sovereign and can do as He knows is best for Himself and His Kingdom. Job actually had it right, when he said, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him” (Job 13:15); but, then he broke, when he thought he was pushed too far. Of course, he finally repented.
We see ourselves and all around us examples of people everywhere objecting to what God has dealt to them. We know we should trust God, but for any number of reasons, we can’t see how we can possibly do or be what God is requiring of us. What to do? Trust God and see where that takes us. Trust Him, even if it looks difficult or grim. Ask Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, if the Burning Fiery Furnace was fair of God to expect them to endure. Ask Daniel, if the Lion’s Den was fair of God to expect him to endure. “And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2Corinthians 12:9). God will give us the grace according to our faith for whatever circumstance we face. If we believe there is no such thing as a situation in which God places us that we cannot endure, then our faith would do well in Jōb’s situation. Father, grant to us the grace to accompany our trust in You. It is not our place to tell You what is best for You or Your Kingdom. Only help us to be faithful. Magnify Yourself by what You accomplish through us. Lord Jesus, return quickly. Amen.