Over the course of this year, my husband and I have suffered an onslaught of house repairs. These difficulties drive me to fear, frustration, and disappointment. As costs have continued to spiral, sometimes we’ve stalled our dreams and future plans for the unexpected expense.

If I’m honest, I feel a bit like Job. Do you remember his story?

Job lived a life of righteousness, but God allowed Satan to take everything from him. At first, he remained steadfast in his faithfulness. However, things continued to spiral apart, and one day, Job makes a simple complaint. By this point in his story, it seems he has good reason to voice his frustrations. Job has lost his wealth, his family, and even his own health.

We may not encounter in full the suffering Job experienced, but when life doesn’t go our way, in the quietness of our hearts, we often question God’s plan too.

Poor Job, it must have seemed like God had fallen silent. Where was He when my family was taken? Why would God allow me to lose my income? Is God not able to cure me of this disease? Is He not all-powerful?

And yet, all along God had a plan for Job’s life. Surprisingly, He even answers his complaint in Job 38:

“Who is this that darkens counsel
By words without knowledge?
“Now gird up your loins like a man,
And I will ask you, and you instruct Me!
“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth?
Tell Me, if you have understanding,
Who set its measurements? Since you know.
Or who stretched the line on it?
“On what were its bases sunk?
Or who laid its cornerstone,
When the morning stars sang together
And all the sons of God shouted for joy?

God continues to talk with Job through chapter 41, pointing out to him His knowledge and sovereignty in verse after verse. He never fully tells Job why he had to suffer. The book ends without a real concluding point, God leaving the final statement on the page.

We do receive one quote from Job before that last chapter. He says in response to God, “Behold, I am insignificant…” (Job 40: 4).

See, it was enough for Job to know God’s infinite abilities. He didn’t have to understand the reason everything had happened. Like him, we don’t always have to understand the reason for our trials. God’s sovereignty, His infinite wisdom, is enough.

Each unwelcome surprise has reminded me that I’m not running a course of my making, despite sometimes my best attempts. I create plans and dreams that are finite compared to my Savior’s. It’s funny how difficulties drive me back to this truth. God doesn’t have to design my life according to my sense of perfection. He coordinates His plans to an entirely different level, one I can’t comprehend here on earth.

And that’s okay, because I know of His goodness. I know of His infinite wisdom, and I know my God is able to do far more abundantly than anything I ask or think…